Dry Needling

Dry Needling

Dry Needling

You’ve most likely heard of acupuncture; and quite possibly IMS. They both fall under the category of Dry Needling. Dry needling is a technique that a trained physiotherapist can incorporate into your treatment plan. It involves the insertion of a fine solid needle through the skin barrier for therapeutic effects. The two most common types of dry needling techniques are acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS). 

Acupuncture vs. Intramuscular Stimulation

The main differences between acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) are the theories behind the treatment and the goals of treatment. Acupuncture targets many different body systems including, but not limited to, the musculoskeletal system, the digestive system, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system. On the other hand, IMS targets primarily the musculoskeletal system. 

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy whereas IMS is based more so on western medicine. In TCM, pain is believed to manifest when there is a disruption of energy flow in the body. It is believed that the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific points can help restore this energy flow. Conversely in IMS, the needle is inserted into a tight and tender muscle band in order to release it. IMS has become quite popular in the last few decades and more research is coming out on its effectiveness as a therapeutic technique. 

The benefits of acupuncture and IMS

Benefits of acupuncture and dry needling include reduction in pain and inflammation, acceleration in tissue healing, as well as restoration in function. According to TCM, acupuncture has also been proposed to have more holistic effects including reducing stress, improving energy and balancing the autonomic nervous system. 

Common conditions that can be treated with acupuncture and IMS:

  • Lower back pain
  • Headache 
  • Rotator cuff tendinitis 
  • Tennis elbow
  • Piriformis syndrome 
  • Muscle strains 

How to prepare for your appointment for dry needling:

  • Ensure you have eaten before your appointment.
  • Let your physiotherapist know about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. Be sure to include even over the counter medications as some have blood thinning properties. 
  • Let your physiotherapist know if you’ve experienced any adverse events in the past following needling. 

What to expect during your appointment for dry needling:

Although we always do our best to incorporate each patient’s desired treatment, the physiotherapist will always conduct a thorough assessment to ensure you are an appropriate candidate for dry needling.

Your physiotherapist will position you appropriately for acupuncture and dry needling. Whenever possible, your physiotherapist will have you lying down for the treatment. Your physiotherapist will wear gloves for dry needling. They will also sanitize the area to be needled. You will feel a light prick when the needle is inserted. For acupuncture, once the needle has penetrated the skin barrier, you may not feel the needle anymore. For dry needling, you may experience what is known as a local twitch response during treatment. It will feel as if the muscle very briefly grasps onto the needle.

Remember that you can request to stop needling at any time. 

What you Should expect after your appointment for dry needling:

It is quite common to experience minor bleeding, bruising and mild/moderate pain during or after treatment. Although there is a possibility for more serious adverse events, these are rare. Your physiotherapist will discuss these with you prior to needling. It is important to pick a physiotherapist who is well trained in dry needling as some areas, particularly those muscles located around the lung fields, can be riskier. BC requires that all physiotherapists who wish to practice dry needling have practiced for at least 2 years prior to undertaking any courses. They also approve only those educational institutions who meet their standards for safe and effective practice. 

We are pleased to share that every one of our Sun City Locations has at least one physiotherapist trained and certified in dry needling. If you wish to book with one of our certified physiotherapists, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist you in your recovery.  

Katarina Green is a registered physiotherapist who is trained in both Acupuncture and IMS. 

Sun City Physiotherapy Locations

Downtown

1468 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-861-8056
downtown@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Glenmore

103-437 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-762-6313
glenmore@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lake Country

40-9522 Main St., Lake Country, BC
Phone: 250-766-2544
winfield@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lower Mission

3970 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 778-699-2006
lowermission@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info
Spotlight on Scoliosis

Spotlight on Scoliosis

Spotlight on Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity – famously known as a “sideways” curve of the spine. It is most often found during adolescence and affects about three in every hundred Canadians. 

As the spine curves it can cause changes in body morphology like unevenness in the hips, waist, and shoulders; a spot that “sticks out” on the ribs and/or back; and a shoulder blade that “pokes out”. Scoliosis patients may experience increasing symptoms as the condition progresses, such as pain, breathing difficulty, osteoarthritis, mental health problems, and decreased health-related quality of life.

Historically, scoliosis was managed by monitoring the curve and implementing bracing or surgery. However, in recent years, physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (known as PSSE) have made their way into the recommended standard of care for scoliosis patients. These exercises are largely aimed at preventing the progression of/reducing the spinal curve, and, for those who undergo surgery or bracing, optimizing the results. Studies have shown that PSSE are effective for decreasing pain, improving quality of life, increasing back muscle endurance and range of motion, and improving self-image.

Most people with scoliosis can lead a healthy, active life. But a better understanding of the condition can help you to better address your discomfort, and empower you to seek the best treatment possible. Schroth is one of the most widely studied and used forms of PSSE. it offered by Sun City Physiotherapy in Lake Country by International Schroth Scoliosis Therapist Tamara Oakley.

Sun City Physiotherapy Locations

Downtown

1468 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-861-8056
downtown@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Glenmore

103-437 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-762-6313
glenmore@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lake Country

40-9522 Main St., Lake Country, BC
Phone: 250-766-2544
winfield@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lower Mission

3970 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 778-699-2006
lowermission@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info
What Does a Physiotherapist Do, and Why Should I See One?

What Does a Physiotherapist Do, and Why Should I See One?

What Does a Physiotherapist Do, and Why Should I See One?

May is Physiotherapy Month. It’s a great time to explain how Physiotherapy can help keep you moving, and what to expect when you see a physiotherapist for treatment. 

Injury

When we are injured, our bodies often compensate in less than ideal ways. This compensation can mean that things don’t feel right when you return to your favourite activity. A  physiotherapist is trained to identify what compensations your body has made, and how to correct them. This is a vital step in your recovery process, and can help minimize your risk of re-injury. 

Assessment

Getting to the root of your injury or condition is the first step in your recovery process.  Your physiotherapist will start by listening to you regarding how the injury occurred, how it is limiting you and what your goals are. They will watch you move and test individual muscle strength to find out what is actually causing your pain and limitations. 

Treatment

You may be surprised to learn the broad areas of treatment in which a physiotherapist can help. We treat all areas of muscle and tissue injuries; and many – as in the s at Sun City Physiotherapy – can help with: sports injuries, spine (back and neck) pain, TMJ (jaw) problems, vertigo, scoliosis, pelvic health, concussions, whiplash, work injuries, and others. 

Methods

If you’ve seen a  for a past injury or condition, you may have had manual or manipulative therapy. It’s how we describe our hands-on approach to treatment. However, in some cases – depending on your injury – your  physiotherapist may use any combination of the manual therapy with interferential machines, shockwave therapy, intra-muscular stimulation (IMS/dry needling), acupuncture, exercise prescription, or pain management modalities. It all depends on how your therapist assesses your injury, and the rehabilitation plan they develop for you.

Recovery

Getting back to what you love doing is important. It’s why you are seeking treatment. Your  physiotherapist will advise you on how and when you can return to your activity or sport. If it is too soon in your recovery process, your physiotherapist will often recommend alternative activities that will allow you to maintain or improve your fitness level while not making your injury worse. 

Timelines

How long will it take before I’m feeling good again? This is question we hear the most. Although we all wish we had a crystal ball, the reality is that every person’s body and injury will be slightly different. However, a physiotherapist has the knowledge and training to be able to give you a general time frame (weeks vs months) as to how long your recovery will be, and how to go about getting started!

It’s important to remember that in most cases, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist, however some insurance plans may require a referral from your doctor. We can answer that question for you when you call to book your appointment. 

If you are injured, Physiotherapy can help keep you moving.  

Anthony Malbrecht is a registered Physiotherapist practicing at our  downtown Kelowna and Lower Mission clinics.

Sun City Physiotherapy Locations

Downtown

1468 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-861-8056
downtown@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Glenmore

103-437 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-762-6313
glenmore@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lake Country

40-9522 Main St., Lake Country, BC
Phone: 250-766-2544
winfield@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lower Mission

3970 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 778-699-2006
lowermission@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

What Is Scoliosis?

What Is Scoliosis?

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine, usually diagnosed in adolescents; often without a known cause.

What is Scheuermann’s Kyphosis?

It is a (hyper)kyphosis; a spinal deformity that leads to a more rounded appearance of one’s upper back (sometimes referred to as a “roundback” or “hunchback”)

What does this look like; and what does that mean for me or my child?

It means that you may have noticed some differences in the appearance of your child or yourself as compared to peers: uneven hips, waist, and/or shoulders, a “sticking out” spot on the ribs and/or back, a shoulder blade that doesn’t match the other side. You or your child may also experience increasing symptoms as the condition progresses, such as pain, breathing difficulty, osteoarthritis, mental health problems, and decreased health-related quality of life.

What is Schroth? 

Schroth exercises are an evidence-supported, set of physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE). They are aimed at preventing the progression of the spinal curve, or to optimize post surgical results. Studies have shown that Schroth is effective for decreasing pain, improving quality of life, increasing back muscle endurance and range of motion, and improving self-image.

Does timing matter?

Early detection and care planning are very important. The options for, and effectiveness of treating a scoliosis or kyphosis vary with stages of skeletal maturity. If you suspect you, your child or teen has scoliosis or kyphosis, it is important to get it screened by a professional such as a doctor or physiotherapist.

What should I expect when signing up for Schroth therapy?

  • Assessment of your posture/curve and movement
  • Education about your scoliosis/kyphosis
  • Specific Exercises, positions and postures to practice at home
  • Monitoring your scoliosis/kyphosis

Scoliosis and Kyphosis management is a team approach which includes your family doctor (observation, monitoring, and care coordination), physiotherapist (physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises), orthotist (bracing), and surgeon (surgery).

Sun City Physiotherapy Locations

Downtown

1468 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-861-8056
downtown@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Glenmore

103-437 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-762-6313
glenmore@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lake Country

40-9522 Main St., Lake Country, BC
Phone: 250-766-2544
winfield@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lower Mission

3970 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 778-699-2006
lowermission@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Know Pain or No Gain

The phrase “no pain, no gain” would probably be the leading misconception about pain that I hear – live by this slogan at your own risk. Why? Because first and foremost, pain is a protector. Pain is a wonderful and fascinating perception that helps to keep us out of danger. I can certainly sympathise that when you’re experiencing persistent or intense pain, its hard to see it as “wonderful” or “fascinating” but it truly is a remarkable defence mechanism that we possess.
When you step on a nail, twist your knee or tweak your back, what comes to your defence first? The simple answer is pain. It’s your first warning of actual or even potential tissue damage. Yes, that’s correct – “potential” tissue damage, meaning your body is smart enough to tell you to withdraw from danger before the damage is done. Wow! When tissue damage does occur, such as a strained ligament, tendon or muscle, your body sends all its best healing products to the area in the form of ‘inflammation’. The brilliance of inflammation is that it increases the sensitivity of the danger detectors (receptors) in the damaged area, which send more danger messages to the brain where they are processed and a pain experience can result. What do you think of that? Essentially, your body doesn’t just heal you with inflammation but it also tells you about it through the feeling of pain as a way of changing your behavior, allowing the area to rest and heal more effectively.

If you understand that the experience of pain is a critical response when the body feels threatened or in danger, then you will see how the slogan “no pain, no gain” will quickly lead you astray. Instead, us ‘pain geeks’ like to encourage the slogan – “know pain or no gain”, meaning that if you understand why you are experiencing pain and what it means, you are more likely to adopt the appropriate behaviour to encourage recovery.

The story of pain can get rather complex but equally as fascinating. Like any of our body systems, our defence systems can sometimes get a bit carried away and malfunction. This is often the case in the event of persistent pain – a story that will have to wait for another time. Until then, remember “know pain or no gain”.

BODY ROLLING: A new way to enhance flexibility and well being.

BODY ROLLING: A new way to enhance flexibility and well being.

Physiotherapy » Category: "Physio Articles"

BODY ROLLING: A new way to enhance flexibility and well being.

How often do you get a tight area in your back that you’d love to get rid of? Or a tense band in your buttock or hamstring that has plagued you for weeks?
Have you noticed that your shoulders round forward, and you’re tight across the back of your shoulders?
The nagging tight spots we feel can be the result of restricted mobility or adhesions in fascia, the elastic web of connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles.

There is a technique to improve flexibility that is easy, inexpensive and works extremely well in conjunction with stretching to improve myofascial mobility. It’s called Body Rolling, and it’s a powerful self-treatment tool using a firm 5” diameter ball. It is similar to using foam rollers, which are popular in gyms. Because of its size and compressibility, it is useful in areas other tools can’t reach.

Body Rolling techniques combine the relaxing effects of massage with the toning effects of exercise. Working with your own body weight, the exercises ease movement by loosening the muscles and their surrounding fascia, with the benefits of a deep self-massage. It can take as little as 10 minutes to work a specific area, and you can do it at your convenience. Working an entire region or chain of muscles gives the best results, since fascia is connected in long tracts that can span more than one joint.

The techniques of Body Rolling can: free adhesions in the connective tissue sheath that wraps around muscles and lies between muscle fibres; help muscles lengthen; improve muscle flexibility and tone thereby improving range of motion and shock absorption in the joints; improve circulation; and assist in correction of faulty posture

People with an active lifestyle often come in to see a physiotherapist with unexplained pain in a muscle, tendon or joint. Physiotherapists look at posture, movement and perform selective tissue tension testing to determine the problem. As a physiotherapist, I use many tools, such as manual therapy, exercise and soft tissue releases to improve freedom of movement.

With exercise that is highly repetitive in nature such as running, cycling, rowing, racquet sports, fascia surrounding the working muscles tends to be loaded in one direction and can subsequently shorten. Movement patterns and normal posture can be altered, which can lead to injury and pain. Learning to use Body Rolling, and stretching along planes of movement, rather than spot-treating tight areas can free things up most effectively.

People working at a desk job every day tend to develop shortening in certain muscle groups– typically the pectoral muscles, the hip flexors, and the hamstring muscles. Over time, this can result in adaptive shortening. The price tag of a desk job can be poor posture, aches and pains at the end of the workday. Activity breaks and Body Rolling can help.

Sun City Physiotherapy Locations

Downtown

1468 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-861-8056
downtown@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Glenmore

103-437 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-762-6313
glenmore@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lake Country

40-9522 Main St., Lake Country, BC
Phone: 250-766-2544
winfield@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info

Lower Mission

3970 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone: 778-699-2006
lowermission@suncityphysiotherapy.com
more info