Get The Most Out of Summer Vacation With Physiotherapy
Are you tired of dealing with aches and pains and just want to enjoy your summer? Does the pleasant weather make it harder to keep up with your physiotherapy appointments? With the summer months upon us, we understand that it may be harder to make physiotherapy a priority. Just remember that Peak To Shore’s highly skilled physiotherapists will help you resolve your problems so you can make the most of the season!
Between planning summer vacations, taking care of kids off for the summer, and spending time outdoors, many patients opt out of their physiotherapy sessions in the summer months. Unfortunately, stopping physiotherapy too soon can lead to regression–or worse, reinjury.
We’ll work around your busy schedule to find a time that meets your needs, allowing you to enjoy all summer has to offer while still taking care of yourself with regular physiotherapy.
Call us today for more information on how we can help you incorporate physiotherapy sessions into your busy summer routine.
Bike Racks Now Available at Our Main Entrance!
Skip the parking hassle- if you’re able, consider biking to your appointment at our main Collingwood site. It’s a great way to save time and get some fresh air. Don’t forget to bring a bike lock!
What Should You Do After a Soft Tissue Injury? By Dr. Adam Roberts, Chiropractor
Over the years, several acronyms have been used to guide the treatment of soft tissue injuries. One of the most well-known is RICE– Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. However, as research and medical understanding evolve, new approaches have emerged. One such updated method is the PEACE & LOVE protocol.
PEACE- For the First 1-3 Days After Injury
P- Protect: Avoid activities that could make the injury worse. Try not to completely immobilize the area unless necessary. Light movement that doesn’t increase pain above 3/10 level is often beneficial.
E- Elevate: Raise the injured area above heart level whenever possible. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
A- Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Treatments: While medication like anti-inflammatories can reduce pain, they may also interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Inflammation is a key part of recovery and reducing it too early might delay healing.
C- Compression: Using bandages or compression garments can help limit swelling and internal bleeding.
E- Educate: Talk to a healthcare provider. Understanding your injury and how to manage it properly will empower you to recover safely. They can guide you on what activities to avoid or modify and when it’s appropriate to start pushing yourself again.
LOVE- After the Initial 3-Day Period
L- Load: Gradually beginning to use the injured area again without pushing through pain. Controlled use helps promote healing and improves long-term outcomes.
O- Optimism: A positive mindset can actually influence recovery. Believing you will get better can support better healing results.
V- Vascularization: Engage in light, pain-free aerobic activity like walking or cycling. This improves blood flow to the injured tissue and helps prevent loss of strength and mobility.
E- Exercise: Start doing specific exercises that restore movement and strength. These should be guided by a professional to avoid re-injury or further damage.
These guidelines are meant to provide general advice. Every injury is unique, and consulting with your chiropractor or physiotherapist is essential. They can help create a personalized recovery plan that suits your specific needs and goals.
Brought to you by our featured provider, Dr. Adam Roberts, Chiropractor. If your injury is holding you back from enjoying all this summer has to offer, call or visit our website today to book an appointment with Dr. Roberts or one of our other experienced therapists.
Why Physiotherapy is Important, No Matter the Time of Year
Physiotherapy has a wealth of benefits, helping people to avoid surgery, dangerous painkillers, and prolonged impairment and immobility. Furthermore, the sooner you begin physiotherapy, the better–research shows that people who start treatment immediately after developing pain or sustaining an injury have better outcomes overall.
But when it comes to results, consistency is the key. Attending sessions intermittently or putting off treatment until the fall can cause further complications. Even if you don’t reinjure yourself, you risk your pain becoming chronic.
Chronic pain refers to pain that persists even after the injury should have healed. Any pain that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic, and it’s nothing to take lightly: chronic pain can lead to physical disability, mental health concerns, and reduced quality of life.
But even if chronic pain isn’t an issue for you, physiotherapy can still help. Consider all the benefits that physiotherapy provides. It can…
- Reduce or eliminate pain
- Help you recover from and prevent injury
- Improve strength
- Improve range of motion
- Improve balance and coordination
- Reduce your risk of falls
- Avoid surgery (which would definitely put a damper on summer plans)
In most cases, you only need a few sessions in each week to see results. Our therapists and friendly staff will work around your busy schedule to help you keep up with treatment!
Our Patients Are Seeing Results
Physiotherapy Is Worth Your Time, Even in the Summer
Time and time again, studies have shown that physiotherapy leads to improved health and overall well-being–which just means it’ll be even easier for you to enjoy the summer months!
Consider the ways that keeping up with your physiotherapy will help you this summer:
- Taking the kids to the amusement park? Our physiotherapists can help you spend all day on your feet without joint pain.
- Planning an adventurous vacation? We can ensure your body’s ready to tackle that 10K hike or those intense whitewater rapids.
- Want to relax by the pool with a good book? We’ll help resolve your lower back pain so you can get comfortable.
We recognize that keeping regular physiotherapy appointments may be more challenging in the summertime, but our customized treatment plans will help you make the most of the season.
When you come in for an appointment, we’ll tailor your program around your specific symptoms, conditions, and goals. We can also take any big summer plan into consideration, whether that’s a month-long tour of Europe or a busy summer driving your kids around town.
While everyone’s treatment will be different, you can expect a blend of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, education, and strategies for managing your condition outside of the clinic. No matter your needs–or your summer plans–we’ll find a program that works for you.
Kick Off Your Summertime Physiotherapy Today!
Schedule a consultation with Peak to Shore today so you can make the most of summer all season long. Worried that you’ll struggle to keep up with appointments? We offer easy, flexible scheduling. Call us today to get started!
Recipe of the Month: Veggie Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions:
- Make the stir fry sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Make the stir fry. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the red and yellow peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots and toss. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the stir fry sauce. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are crisp-tender. Season to taste. Top with the green onions and sesame seeds and serve.