A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus (gel-like center of the intervertebral disc) is displaced from the intervertebral space. It is generally a specific motion that causes the pain, such as bending forward to grab an item off the ground, or twisting. Typically a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of low back pain, or a chronic history of pain.

After breast cancer surgery, you may develop a stiff shoulder or arm. Exercising will be an important part of your treatment and recovery, to improve range of motion and strength, decrease pain and stiffness, and improve function and overall well-being.

Low back pain (LBP) without a known cause (fracture, infection, cauda equina syndrome, malignancy) is referred to as non-specific LBP, which accounts for about 90% of all patients with LBP. Sources of pain in the low back can include the intervertebral disc, muscle strains, ligament sprains and the facet joints.

  About 30% of women will develop pain in their pelvic region during pregnancy. This occurs more commonly in the second and third trimester. Pain can be located over the front of the pubic bone (pubic symphysis), across one or both sides of the sacrum, between the vagina and anus (perineum area), and can sometimes radiate into the legs.

Osgood-Schlatters is a common cause of knee pain in active adolescents. It occurs due to inflammation in the area under the kneecap (patella), where the patellar tendon attaches onto the shin bone (the tibia).

Individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders, will commonly have tension in the internal hip muscles (such as the obturator internus), and the pelvic floor muscles (levator ani muscles), contributing to myofascial pain.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a term used to describe pain in the front of the knee, and around or under the kneecap (patellofemoral joint). It is typically seen in adolescents, and adults in the second and third decades of life. 

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists assess and treat dysfunctions of the pelvic floor, such as urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with sexual intercourse and/or insertion of a tampon, overactive bladder symptoms, etc. Chronic low back pain and hip pain can also be related to the pelvic floor. 

Endometriosis is defined as a “heterogenous, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue found outside of the uterus, primarily in the abdominopelvic cavity and ovaries'. Endometriosis is estimated to occur in 10-15% of menstruating individuals. 

The rotator cuff is a term used to describe four muscles and their tendons that aid in supporting the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball in socket joint, in which the round head of the humerus, attaches into the glenoid cavity of the scapula (termed the glenohumeral joint). These four muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a ‘cuff’ around the glenohumeral joint. The four rotator cuff muscles are called the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor.

After a c-section, women can experience abdominal pain and weakness, abdominal separation (rectus diastasis), constipation and potentially pain with sexual intercourse. Compared to a vaginal delivery, women tend to have an over-active (hypertonic) pelvic floor, which can contribute to symptoms such as pelvic pain, an increase in urinary frequency and/or a strong urgency to urinate. 

What is good posture? It’s a thing that you may be able to picture (and assume once you are reminded) yet this ever-elusive condition escapes us all too often once our mind wanders off to other things. There are many reasons why good posture is helpful and something worth striving towards but there are also reasons why it can never be achieved in the ideal way you imagine.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain and/or numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand. This syndrome is named after the area it affects. The carpal tunnel is a tunnel-like structure in the wrist where the wrist flexor tendons and the median nerve travel through.

Pelvic physiotherapy is a manual therapy for both men and women that focuses on the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles span the bottom of the pelvis, and provide support to the internal pelvic organs.

Embody Health Centre is hiring for 2 positions. We are looking for an Office Manager to cover a maternity leave for a 12-18 month contract. We are also looking for a casual, part-time Administrative Assistant. See blog for job descriptions and how to apply!

Patients should reach out to a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist if they have any of the following symptoms: Urinary leakage, increase in frequency of urination, strong urgency to urinate, pain with sexual intercourse, prolapse, pressure or heaviness sensation in the pelvic region, preparation for childbirth, recovery from childbirth, constipation, pain during vaginal exams and/or insertion of a tampon, chronic pain linked to endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia, pain during a bowel movement or during urination

Gyms are closed, and classes and sports are canceled, so it can be tough to stay motivated during the lockdown. It can also be tough to exercise at home without an instructor. Learn how to stay active at home, and to discuss/demonstrate exercises to perform at home to stay strong and mobile by booking an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists.

With the start of the warm weather, trails have been busy with runners, walkers and cyclists. Whether you're a novice or experienced runner, the following tips are important to keep in mind.

Physiotherapists are specialists in human movement, and anatomy of the muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. They use their clinical skills to assess, diagnose and treat symptoms caused by injury, illness and disability. Physiotherapists focus on both prevention and rehabilitation.

If you’ve been experiencing the quarantine blues, trust us, you’re not alone! Isolation has taken a big toll on our daily lifestyle and routine. Physical activity is an aspect of our life that tends to be put on the back burner.