What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by the stress of caring for family members or loved ones. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and lack of control over their situation. The symptoms are similar to that of anxiety and depression and can include:

• Irritability

• Withdrawal from social networks.

• Loss of interest in hobbies or work.

• Feeling down, helpless, or hopeless.

• Changes in appetite, weight or both.

• Getting sick more often.

• Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring.

• Changes in sleep patterns.

The key to preventing caregiver burnout is to recognize the signs early and seek help from family members or professionals as soon as possible. With proper support and resources, caregivers can be better equipped to provide care for their loved ones without sacrificing their own wellbeing in the process. Taking time out for self-care activities such as exercise or socializing can also help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. In addition, it is important to consider getting respite or home-care support help from community resources or private agencies specialized in senior care.

Get in touch with a mental health specialist today, if you think you may be experiencing caregiver burnout.

What is Osteoporosis?

November is National Osteoporosis Month in Canada. In light of this, I wanted to do a blog post about the disease that currently affects more than 2 millions Canadians.

Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones lose bone mass and become thin and susceptible to injury. it is known as a “silent thief” because bone deterioration can go on for years with no symptoms. Osteoporosis related fractures are actually more common than heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer combined. Osteoporosis risk is assessed based on several factors; if you are determined to be at risk your doctor will order a bone mineral density test. Your results, called a T-score, will then compare your bones to those of an average young adult. While some bone loss is to be expected, the results will indicate if you are experiencing more bone loss than normal for your age. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis there are a variety of treatments that are available to minimize bone loss and decrease risk of fractures.

Physiotherapy can help by

• Informing you of recommended strengthening, aerobic and balance exercises for individuals with osteoporosis

• Educating you on safe ways to perform your daily activities to minimize your risk for spinal fractures and falls

• Developing an exercise program to improve your postural alignment, core and back strength; thereby decreasing the stress on your spine and joints

• Restoring your strength and managing pain following an osteoporosis-related fracture

• Improving your balance through strengthening and balance training to decrease your risk for falls

Learn more through Osteoporosis Canada.

What is virtual personal training and is it for you?

Since the start of the pandemic in March, many have been forced to rethink how they will be getting their daily physical activity. Thankfully, many gyms have been able to pivot to offering their classes and services online over Zoom and other platforms! Some have turned to home-based workouts provided on YouTube or through Apps. While they certainly offer many advantages including being readily available, diverse, and inexpensive (or free!), there are some disadvantages. 

Working directly with a personal trainer allows you to get a tailored program and exercises dependent on a few factors. Firstly, your medical history and any health conditions you may have are taken into consideration. If you have had injuries in the past (disc herniations, shoulder injuries, meniscal tears, etc.) your program will be reflective of this. Same goes for surgeries including joint replacements, heart surgery, etc. Secondly, your fitness level and health goals will be considered. A good program is designed to address your areas of weakness (balance issues, decreased mobility, etc.) and achieve your goals. If you are taking the time to exercise it needs to be the right amount, intensity, and type to be effective! 

Working with a trainer, online or offline, also allows you to have the accountability and support you need. I’ve heard from so many clients that their major problem is losing their motivation and becoming inconsistent. Long-term health and fitness goals take months/years and consistency. By making the commitment to working with a trainer, we become committed to helping you achieve results by holding you accountable! 

How does personal training work virtually?

There are a few things that are needed in order to train virtually. Firstly, a video conferencing application such a Zoom is used in order for us to communicate. It is important for your trainer to be able to see how you are performing each exercise and give you feedback as needed. We will also be able to demonstrate any new exercises to you. Secondly, a device such as a laptop, tablet, or iPhone with a stand is required. Your trainer will direct you where and how to set it up in order for us to be able to see you well. Thirdly, a small amount of open space is needed. You’ll need an area free of objects and furniture, where you have room to set up an exercise mat on the floor and move around freely. Lastly, while you can get a great work out using only your body weight, some equipment might be worth investing in. A trainer can make some recommendations in this department. 

 If you still aren’t sure whether virtual training is for you or not, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have! 

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It is an overuse condition caused by repetitive motion of the wrist and forearm. Common activities that can lead to tennis elbow include gardening, computer work, racket sports, heavy lifting, and repetitive manual labor. 

Signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow and weak grip strength. These symptoms can be made worse with forearm activity. Usually your dominant are is most often affected.

Physiotherapy can help by:

• Providing you with specific exercises to help strengthen and stretch the muscles of the forearm

• Perform therapeutic modalities to decrease inflammation and pain

• Perform manual therapy techniques to improve muscle healing

• Provide you with education regarding activities and positions to avoid in order to allow for proper healing and rest

What is Neurological Rehabilitation?

Neurological disorders affect the body's nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. When communication of signals between your brain and other body parts is disrupted symptoms like weak muscles, uncoordinated movements and sensation changes occur.

Common neurological conditions include stroke, parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, and peripheral nerve injuries. Neurological disorders can occur due to aging, trauma, or a medical event such as a stroke. Some neurological conditions are also hereditary.

Physiotherapy can help individuals with neurological disorders by kick-starting the message pathways your brain is struggling to use and can creating new pathways with repetitive movements. Neurological rehabilitation involves a variety of techniques to regain stability and core control, improve movement patterns, and retrain gait and balance.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TRAINED IN Neurological REHABILITATION WILL:

• Discuss your medical history and the nature of your symptoms

• Evaluating your environment and providing recommendations for adaptive equipment and devices

• Performing regular follow up treatments consisting of repetitive exercises and tasks to improve motor function and reinforce new patterns

• Designing an individualized exercise program to increase your strength, endurance and balance

• Performing balance and gait training to reduce your risk for falls and improve balance reactions

IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE has a neurological condition -

CALL US TODAY TO SPEAK WITH A PHYSIOTHERAPIST ABOUT YOUR SITUATION! 

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Is is estimated that 35% of adults have some form of vestibular dysfunction. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining our balance and allowing us to see clearly while we are in motion. This system is made up of the trans of the inner ear, which detect our heads position and movement. The vestibular system is also made up of parts on the brain that process the information detected by our inner ear!

Disorders of the vestibular system can take many forms as different parts of the vestibular system may be affected. Problems can arise due to recent trauma (car accidents or falls), inner ear infections, medications, tumors, symptoms of other diseases, or due to aging. Symptoms may include vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning), dizziness, unsteadiness or falls, blurry vision, nausea, or vomiting. Other complications may include decreased activity, anxiety, depression, and poor concentration.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of therapy performed by physiotherapists or audiologists. This type of treatment uses techniques and exercises to help the brain compensate for problems in the vestibular system. It also uses physical maneuvers to correct imbalances of the inner ear.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TRAINED IN Vestibular REHABILITATION WILL:

• Discuss your medical history and the nature of your symptoms

• Screen for other causes of dizziness or unsteadiness

• Evaluate your eye movement and test for sensitivity to motion or position change

• Evaluate your balance in standing and in motion

Treatments for vestibular dysfunctions may include eye movements, exercises to reduce your sensitivity to motion, balance training, and education. Repositioning maneuvers may also be used and taught to you.

If YOU or your loved one is experiencing dizziness or vertigo -

CALL US TODAY TO SPEAK WITH A PHYSIOTHERAPIST ABOUT YOUR SITUATION! 

Urinary Incontinence: how physiotherapy can help

Urinary incontinence is accidental urine leakage that can occur when laughing, lifting, sneezing, or coughing. According to the World Health Organization it affects one in three women worldwide. The Canadian Continence Foundation also stats one in six women over 30 have urinary incontinence. Despite the major impacts it has on one’s lifestyle, it is not often discussed. People with incontinence are often embarrassed to speak about it with their health care providers, friends or family.

The main types of urinary incontinence include:

• Stress incontinence

  • Leakage during physical exertion (sports) or during coughing or sneezing

• Urge incontinence

  • Leakage when you need to go but don’t quite make it in time

• Mixed

  • Combination of stress and urge incontinence

Urinary incontinence affects men, women, and children. It commonly affects more women than men due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, hysterectomy, and the structure of the female urinary tract. Pelvic floor muscles can become stretched with childbirth or lose their strength and tone with age and menopause. Incontinence can also result from injury, infection, disease, or medical condition. 

How physiotherapists help

Physiotherapists with specialized training are highly skilled at assessing and treating people with urinary incontinence.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is key for effective treatment. Following an assessment your physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan. Targeted strengthening and stretching techniques, bladder and pelvic floor training and lifestyle or habit changes can often successfully treat incontinence. Sometimes special equipment (biofeedback, electric muscle stimulation) is used. Specific exercises are an effective way to increase strength, endurance and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles and stop the urinary incontinence.

Physiotherapists trained in urinary incontinence treatment will:

• Take a careful history to identify your symptoms

• Screen out conditions requiring medical follow-up

• Discuss the impact on your lifestyle

• Perform a physical examination of your back, pelvis, sacrum, pelvic floor muscles, and nerve function

If you are someone you love has urinary incontinence. Find a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation today on the OPPQ website.