If you are unsure what Physiotherapy is or how a Physiotherapist can help, here is a great video explaining Physiotherapy sponsored by the Vancouver Sun and featuring Physio Room’s very own Jessie Wong!

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/empowered-health/Video+Empowered+Health+Physiotherapy+Explained/6129702/story.html

One of the many common questions we receive is to do with Functional Screening Assessment.  Click the link below for a great article on it outlining the procedure.  If you are an exceptionally active individual, book a Functional Screening Assessment at Physio Room.

http://running.competitor.com/2011/11/sports-science-update/sports-science-update-the-functional-movement-screen_42914 

It’s the earliest opening at the local mountain and that means ski and snowboard season has begun!  That also means aches, bruises, tears and possibly broken bones.  Before heading to the slopes, take these tips with you to have an injury free season.  

Fitness
Prepare your body by ensuring that you’ve taken the time to condition your legs, arms and core for the unpredictable conditions on the slope. Talk to your physiotherapist about what exercises are most appropriate for you.  

Warm up and cool down
Like with any sport, it is important to take 5-10 minutes to warm up your body for the slopes.  It can be anything from going down the easy bunny hills or performing a few burpees before putting your skis and boots on. Cool down your body by ending on the easier hills and performing a few stretches.

Skiier’s thumb
If you’re skiing with poles, try not to put the ski pole strap around your wrist.  Falling forward onto the ski poles can hyperextend the thumb and damage the ulnar collateral ligament.  This ligament is important for stability of the thumb.  Use the straps only if you’re truly afraid of losing your poles and in deep powdered snow.  

Snowborder’s ankle
Ankle injuries can occur if the boot is too big, therefore allowing too much movement of the ankle.  It is important to get your equipment properly fitted, and don’t be tempted to borrow your friend’s gear.  Ankle injuries can also occur with snowboard jumps that go wrong.  Landing with your ankle rolled inwards can lead to serious ankle sprains and possibly fractures of the talus bone of your ankle.
   
Knee injuries
Catching the ski or snowboard on a funny edge can lead to awkward twisting of the knee and tearing of the MCL (medial collateral ligament), ACL (anterior collateral ligament) or meniscus.  Having adequate strength and prorprioception around the knee to react to these changes can help decrease your chance of a knee injury.  

Remember to dress appropriately including a helmet, obey mountain boundaries, and check the conditions before heading to your favourite mountain!

December is just around the corner and that means family gatherings, dinners, work and holiday parties for many of us.  However, there are many of those in need and we would like to do our part here at Physio Room by collecting non-perishable food items for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. 

Please feel free to come by our clinic during your shopping trips to Main St. this Christmas and drop off some of the “most-needed” items listed on their website https://www.foodbank.bc.ca/

Physio Room will kick it off by committing to donate $100 worth of non- perishables to the Food Bank this season!

Our physiotherapists will be replying to questions/comments and posting them to our blog.  So please, ask away or if you have a topic you would like our therapists to discuss, send ‘em our way!

So we have been open for nearly 3 months now and the feedback and support from Vancouver and especially the Main st. community has been phenomenal.  We know there are numerous Physiotherapy clinics in the Lower Mainland but when we set out to launch Physio Room, we really strived to offer something unique and it’s quite evident in the response so far, that people have been receptive.  So from everyone here at Physio Room - “THANK YOU!” 

We have many other things in the works at all different stages of planning right now so follow us on Twitter/Facebook and check back often for updates!

If you any questions, positive or negative feedback (we’re not perfect =)) please drop us an e-mail, give us a call or simply drop-by our clinic.

Thanks again…

Sincerely,

Absolutely everyone here at Physio Room

We were super excited to have Nat and Drew feature us on their show, Ad Agency, this week to help us promote our Barefoot Running workshop this upcoming Saturday.  Which ad do you like?

http://vancouver.virginradio.ca/Blog/AdAgency/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10315523

Everyone from Prince Harry to Scarlett Johansson is into this new running movement so why not join us this Saturday November 19 from 2-3pm for our Barefoot Running workshop where physiotherapist Jessie Wong discusses the pros and cons, differences b/t minimalist/regular shoes and tips on how to start.