Physiotherapy Toronto Blog 

Reduced bone density, called osteoporosis, makes bones more likely to break. This is a big problem for older adults, especially women after menopause, older men, and people with a family history of weak bones. People who don't exercise much, eat poorly, or have certain health conditions are also at higher risk. Knowing how to keep bones strong is very important to avoid serious injuries and to maintain overall health.

Lifting weights makes our bones stronger by putting pressure on them, which stimulates special cells called osteoblasts to create more bone material. This process helps our bones become thicker and stronger. This is like giving our bones a workout, just like how our muscles get stronger when we exercise them. Strong bones are essential for supporting our body and helping us move safely.

When we lift weights, we also build bigger muscles, which support and protect our bones. Bigger muscles help prevent falls and injuries. Lifting weights also increases the production of important hormones that help our bones grow and stay healthy, making sure our bones remain strong as we age. Additionally, these hormones can improve our overall energy and mood.

Regular weightlifting also improves our balance and coordination, reducing the chances of falls that can lead to bone injuries. By keeping our bones strong and resilient, weightlifting helps protect against osteoporosis and reduces the risk of fractures, ensuring our bones stay healthy throughout our lives. Good balance and coordination make everyday activities easier and safer.

Call 416-546-9454 today and sign up for 50% OFF the FIRST TWO WEEKS OF TRAINING!  Mention promo code AC50BLOG.  This promotion is valid for first time clients only and cannot be used in combination with any other offer. 

Article provided by RMT and Certified Personal Trainer, Ian Paron. Ian knows the importance of maintaining muscle and strength and the vital role they play in both performance and quality of life. Ian shares his passion for strength training with everyone from competitive athletes looking to prevent injury or increase their performance, to retired grandparents wanting to be able to continue to play with their grandchildren.

Click here for more information about Personal Training at Athlete's Care Leaside. 

RMT Michelle Macutay shares tips on how to get the most from your next massge therapy treamtent. 

Client feedback such as “My last massage wasn’t what I was expecting” and “I wasn’t happy with my last Massage Therapist", can usually be avoided with better communication between client and therapist. Did you know that you, the client, have control over how your massage treatment goes?

One of the Standards of Practice mandatory for ALL Massage Therapists is “Client-Centred Care” which means that our role is to “provide Massage Therapy that is focused on the best interests and unique needs, views, preferences and concerns of each individual client ensuring the client is actively involved in decision-making regarding their care” (CMTO, 2024).

Here are some tips to ensure that you are more satisfied with your Massage Therapy treatments:

Before your RMT leaves the room, make sure you two discuss:

•        Your main area of concern (where your pain/discomfort is located)
•        Which areas of your body that you want to be massaged (ex: you don’t want the full body, but just the back)
•        Which areas of your body that you DO NOT want to be massaged (ex: you have ticklish feet)
•        If you give permission to have sensitive areas massaged (ex: the buttocks)
•        The type of pressure you prefer (ex: firm pressure)

While you are receiving your Massage Therapy treatment, you can still tell your RMT:

•        You are too warm
•        You are cold (your RMT may have a blanket or heating pad available)
•        If the music is not to your preference
•        You want to modify what you discussed about the treatment earlier (ex: you change your mind and want a full-body massage instead)
•        You want to change the pressure (ex: the RMT’s pressure is firmer or lighter than you thought it would be)
•        You want to change positions (ex: being on your stomach feels uncomfortable)

This is a limited list of tips on what to discuss with your RMT before and during your massage. Remember, you have a say on how you receive your Massage Therapy treatments. Your RMT cannot read your mind but they are obligated to listen to your thoughts and concerns to ensure your treatment plan is right for you.

Keep in mind that each RMT has limitations such as not being able to provide pressure as deep as you prefer or not being trained in techniques you may want included in your treatment. We also may advise you if your request may cause further harm to you or if it is not appropriate.

However, I still encourage you to speak up and don’t be shy! We're here to help you!

Tips are provided by RMT Michelle Macutay. Michelle has a strong passion for people's physical and mental well-being which is why she has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 2005. She has successfully created treatment plans for individuals whose goals were to reduce physical pain or to improve their mental health.  Her experience ranges from helping athletes with recovery in order to maximize performance, to collaborating with other regulated healthcare professionals to deliver safe and effective treatments, to working at high-end spas giving evidence-based treatments while in an ambience that prioritizes decompression and tranquility.

Click here to learn more about Michelle Macutay or to book an appointment with her at Athlete's Care Oakville Sourth or Athlete's Care Mississauga.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process from injuries, serving as a cornerstone in the rehabilitation of patients. It primarily focuses on alleviating pain, restoring movement, and enhancing function, which collectively improve the quality of life for patients. Through a variety of techniques such as manual therapy, exercises, and other modalities, physiotherapy can help to reduce swelling, ease pain, and aid in the repair of damaged tissue. It also educates patients on proper body mechanics and movement patterns to prevent future injuries.

For those patients looking to thrive once their therapy is complete the next step is strength training. Strength training after physiotherapy ensures that the gains in mobility and pain reduction are not temporary. It helps translate the functional improvements made during physiotherapy into lasting changes, allowing for a return to daily activities and beyond with greater ease and less risk of re-injury.

Two key benefits of strength training include:

• enhancing joint health by strengthening the muscles around your joints, thereby improving joint stability and reducing the likelihood of future injuries
  
  
• refines motor skills, enhancing balance and coordination, which is vital in all activities - from taking your dog for a walk to playing your favourite sport

For those who wish to not only recover but also thrive, making strength training a part of their post-rehabilitation regimen is indispensable.

Call 416-546-9454 today and sign up for a FREE WEEK OF TRAINING!  Mention promo code PTBLOG.  This promotion is valid for first time clients only and cannot be used in combination with any other offer. 

Article provided by RMT and Certified Personal Trainer, Ian Paron. Ian knows the importance of maintaining muscle and strength and the vital role they play in both performance and quality of life. Ian shares his passion for strength training with everyone from competitive athletes looking to prevent injury or increase their performance, to retired grandparents wanting to be able to continue to play with their grandchildren.

Click here for more information about Personal Training at Athlete's Care Leaside. 

In the realm of medical interventions, surgery often stands as a definitive solution to various health issues, ranging from joint replacements to ligament repairs. However, what's sometimes overlooked is the significant role prehabilitation plays in the overall success of surgical outcomes. Prehabilitation, focuses on improving functional capacity, strength and mobility prior to surgery which reduces the risk of complications and accelerates return to normal activities.

The Benefits of Prehabilitation?

1. Enhanced Surgical Outcomes:

Prehabilitation can improve a patient's physical function, muscle strength, and range of motion, which are crucial factors in determining surgical success. Studies have shown that patients who undergo prehabilitation experience shorter hospital stays and reduced post-operative pain compared to those who do not.

2. Faster Recovery:

By strengthening the body and optimizing overall health before surgery, individuals who undergo prehabilitation typically regain their regain function and mobility more quickly after surgery. This will enable them to return to their daily activities and work sooner.

3. Lower Risk of Complications:

Those who undergo prehabilitation are likely to experience less complications after surgery compared to those who don’t. This means a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal physical function.

What can you expect with Physiotherapy?

1. Individualized Exercise Prescription:

Physiotherapists assess each patient's specific needs and develop personalized exercise programs to address areas of weakness, stiffness, or dysfunction. These exercises focus on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, targeting muscle groups that are vital for supporting the surgical site and facilitating recovery.

2. Education and Empowerment:

Physiotherapists educate patients about the upcoming surgery, potential risks, and what to expect during the recovery process. This helps to alleviate any pre-operative stress, and promotes adherence to prehabilitation protocols, and post-surgical rehabilitation. 

3. Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Interventions:

Throughout the prehabilitation period, physiotherapists closely monitor patients' progress, adjusting their exercise programs and interventions as needed to ensure optimal preparation for surgery. Regular assessments and follow-ups allow for early interventions to address any barriers.

Want to get started on your prehabilitation journey? Don’t hesitate to contact one of our clinics to inquire about how you can get started with a physiotherapist!

Article written by Registered Physiotherapist, Zamir Walji.  With his extensive experience, Zamir approaches your individual case with dedication and focuses on getting to the root of the issue. Zamir uses manual therapy, personalized exercise programs and education to optimize your function and ultimately get you back to doing the activities you love most. Zamir believes that each patient should leave their session having a clear understanding of the next steps to achieve their goals.

Click here to learn more about Zamir or to book a physiotherapy appointment with him at Athlete's Care York Mills & Leslie