SOS: Fear of the Knife? PT Could Help

The Spinal Column The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

ISSUE NUMBER 19

Season WEDDING

Friday September 6th, 2019 had been highlighted on my calendar for over 6 months but it did not seem to feel “real” until the day prior at the wedding rehearsal. Just seeing our two families in the same place together gave this upcoming day a feeling of reality. We planned an outdoor ceremony at Three Bridges in St. Jacobs with reception to follow indoors. The weather at the rehearsal was perfectly sunny and in the mid 20s. However, the wedding day was not looking as promising, with cloud cover and intermittent showers for most of the day. We kept the rehearsal party casual with pizza and beverages back at our place in Waterloo. My groomsmen (my two sons Jesse and Nathaniel and my brother Eric) and I then headed off to a hotel in St.Jacobs while Katie and her bridesmaids (her two sisters Melanie and Jennifer and my daughter Abigail) hung out for a relaxing night at our house.

nephews Aiden, Carson and little Nolan) making the rounds for some “getting ready pics”. Us gents had some empty bellies that needed filling so what better way to celebrate Andrew Woelk than to eat at AW (still need to post some of those pics on AW’s instagram). As the “weatherman” promised, there were intermittent showers throughout the day, but thanks to radar we were able to see clear skies arriving around 4 pm, just in time for our 4:30 ceremony start time! Seeing all of our amazing friends and family all together was an awesome sight and feeling.

(continued inside)

INSIDE: • Wedding Season (continued) • Fear of the Knife? Avoid Surgery with Physiotherapy • How Do I Know Physio Will Work For Me?

The next morning both sides had lots of fun getting ready. The grooms and brides had an extra treat of all 3 ring bearers (Katie’s

• My Patient Story • Staff Spotlights • And More!

www.sosphysiotherapy.ca

Season WEDDING (continued)

Apparently tears were shed by all. I had no idea. I was just trying to control my own emotions. Our vows were followed by Katie saying vows to my kids, now her step children. And again more waterworks by all! My brother Eric and friend Chris Mullet-Koop played the song All That Is Gold by Brooks Williams during the signing of the registry. The meditation by our Pastor Reene focused on a Song of Solomons passage that speaks to the changing of seasons and emergence of new life. Fitting we thought, for this special and welcomed change of season in both our lives. We recessed down the aisle hand in hand, smiling ear to ear hearing Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. The

festivities then moved inside for the dinner reception, speeches, more waterworks and dancing. In reflection of the day, there may have been a couple of minor miscues like little Nolan throwing the ring bearer’s pillow instead of caring it down the aisle, out of place hairs (or missing hair), an uninvited and unruly neighbour’s dog and some rain during our photos, but in the end I just recall pure joy and love for my now wife Katie and the friends and family that attended.

Awesome memories and nothing but excitement about our future together as a new family!!

www.sosphysiotherapy.ca

Belmont Clinic Belmont Centre for Physical Medicine 564 Belmont Avenue West, Suite 301 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5N6 TEL: (519) 743-4355

Campus Clinic University of Waterloo Student Life Centre

Elmira Clinic Behind Wellness Centre (Clock Tower) 3 Wyatt Street East, Suite 2 Elmira, Ontario N3B 2H4 TEL: (519) 669-1212

200 University Avenue West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 TEL: (519) 884-0767

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Healthcare Services!

FEAR OF THE KNIFE? AVOID SURGERY WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY

Does the thought of undergoing surgery make you feel queasy? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have a “fear of the knife,” so to speak. No one wants to get surgery, but sometimes it is a necessary part of physical treatment. However, it doesn’t always have to be. If you feel as if you may be on the path to needing surgery, but you’d like to discuss alternative options, don’t hesitate to give our team at SOS a call. How can I avoid surgery? There are numerous benefits to foregoing surgery and sticking with physiotherapy – for one you'll save the tax payer (i.e. YOU), an incredible amount of money. Surgeries are pricy and physiotherapy is far cheaper! Secondly, you’ll avoid the extensive recovery time that follows surgery. Many times, patients will need post-surgical rehabilitation (and sometimes pre-surgical rehabilitation) anyway. Why go through both if one can do the trick? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, physiotherapy isn’t invasive. Physiotherapy doesn’t involve It is true that surgery is unavoidable in some patients, if the condition is severe enough. However, there are several studies and testimonials that prove physiotherapy is successful in the treatment of pain to the point where, in many cases, surgery is unnecessary. According to a study done by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), physiotherapy is just as effective as surgery in patients with meniscal tears and arthritis of the knee. In this study, 351 patients aged 45 or older who fell under the categories of those conditions were randomly split into two groups, being “those who received surgery and post-operative physiotherapy treatments,” and “those who received physiotherapy alone.” Those given the sole standard physiotherapy treatment plans were also given the option of “crossing over” to surgical treatment if they did not notice any significant improvements to their condition. After six months, 30% of patients opted to receive surgery; however, 70% stayed with their standardized physiotherapy regimen, reporting improvement. Within the 6-12 month time frame of the study, those patients who received physiotherapy treatment alone showed similar signs of improvement to those that received both surgery and physiotherapy. A success story: However, the proof toward the power of physiotherapy doesn’t end there! One inspiring success story came from a 49-year-old mannamedRoberto.Robertowassufferingfromspinalstenosiswhenhe took a harsh fall, fracturing his shoulder. Anti-inflammatory medications weren’t an option for him, due to an additional diverticular disease, and during his physical evaluation by a pain management specialist, it was found that he was also suffering from degenerative disc disease.

any risks of complications or need for harmful painkillers. It’s not painful, it’s not dangerous, and it’s a natural remedy for your pain!

It has been proven that physiotherapy can be just as effective, if not more so, than surgery. For some specific conditions, patients who received physiotherapy alone were seen to have achieved the same results as those who received surgery in tandem with physiotherapy. These conditions were:

• Meniscal tears • Rotator cuff tears

• Osteoarthritis • Spinal stenosis • Degenerative disc disease

At SOS Physiotherapy, we strive to relieve your pain. Schedule a consultation with one of our physiotherapists today!

HOW DO I KNOW PHYSIO WILL WORK FOR ME?

Due to all his health concerns, Roberto was apprehensive about receiving major surgery, so his pain management specialist referred him to a physiotherapist. That was two years ago now! Roberto still attends his physiotherapy sessions twice a week, and he has reported radical improvement in his back and shoulder pain: “My physiotherapist, who really listens and cares, has enabled me to avoid back surgery and stop using anti-inflammatories. Instead of using medications, I have my mobility!” We’re here to help: At SOS, we strive to make sure that every patient has a similar experience to that of Roberto’s. Our physiotherapists are trained professionals who are driven and ambitious about helping their patients achieve the highest levels of comfort and success. Our goal is to help you avoid surgery and harmful drugs as much as possible. We do this by providing an extensive evaluation process to clearly diagnose the root of your problem, and basing a specialized treatment plan around said diagnosis. We understand that every patient is different, so every plan should be different, too. Our physiotherapists will be there with you every step of the way during your journey toward recovery, encouraging you and supporting every achievement you make. If you have a painful condition, don’t resort straight to surgery – come see us for a consultation first, and let us discuss how we can help you.

CALL ONE OF OUR 3 LOCATIONS TODAY!

My Patient Story

Staff Spotlights

“Andrew started treating me 9-10 years ago or so after I had been seeing a chiropractor who was treating symptoms but not root cause. At that point, I was having painful muscle spasms in my shoulder once or twice a month. Andrew helped me understand the root problem and assigned me exercises to help. I now have that problem once every 1-2 years, which is so much better. Since that original issue I have gone to andrew for a variety of other (mostly shoulder) related injuries. Every time I receive the same excellent level of care, and understanding of my injury and a great treatment plan. My friend, who recommended Andrew to me, told me that he is “magic”. I couldn't agree more! He's a super awesome physiotherapist who really knows his craft well!" - Heather Buerkle (Spring 2019)

Meet Resident Physiotherapist Courtney Voisin! Courtney recently completed her Masters of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Western Ontario and also holds a Bachelor of Science Co-op degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. Courtney grew up in the Kitchener area and is excited to be starting her physiotherapy career back in her hometown. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys playing hockey, going golfing, doing yoga and CrossFit. Courtney’s passion for health and fitness will be used to help empower her patients to live more active lifestyles and get them back to doing the things they love. Courtney also has her Level 1 Manual Therapy Certificate and plans on perusing further manual therapy training to utilize a combination of manual therapy techniques and functional exercises with her patients. Courtney is looking forward to growing her practice and expanding her clinical skill set working with the SOS team.

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Healthcare Services! Belmont Clinic Belmont Centre for Physical Medicine 564 Belmont Avenue West, Suite 301 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5N6 TEL: (519) 743-4355

Campus Clinic University of Waterloo Student Life Centre

200 University Avenue West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 TEL: (519) 884-0767

Ryan is a Resident Physiotherapist at SOS Physiotherapy Elmira. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Kinesiology degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and obtained his Master’s in Physical Therapy at Western University. Ryan has a passion for helping individuals achieve their highest level of function by collaborating with clients to create individualized plans, with education and exercise being central to his active approach to rehab. Ryan has aspirations to pursue ongoing education in the areas of acupuncture, dry needling, and advanced manual therapy. In his free time Ryan loves to keep active by playing racket sports, volleyball, baseball, roundnet, or walking 18 holes at some of the local golf courses. In the fall, Ryan is also a devoted pumpkin picker at his in-laws’ family farm.

Elmira Clinic Behind Wellness Centre (Clock Tower) 3 Wyatt Street East, Suite 2 Elmira, Ontario N3B 2H4 TEL: (519) 669-1212

www.sosphysiotherapy.ca

NEW WORKSHOP COMING UP SOON!

BACK PAIN & SCIATICA WORKSHOP!

Belmont Clinic Location // Saturday, Oct. 19th @ 10:00am

Workshops are free but seats are limited. Don’t delay, register today by calling now!

Belmont Clinic Belmont Centre for Physical Medicine 564 Belmont Avenue West, Suite 301 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5N6 TEL: (519) 743-4355

Can Physio Help Your Back Pain?

Bring in This Coupon Today For A Free Low Back Pain Discovery Visit!

Campus Clinic University of Waterloo Student Life Centre

200 University Avenue West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 TEL: (519) 884-0767

• Have your back pain assessed • Discuss any previous issues regarding your back • Get a plan of what Physio can do to help all of the above!

Elmira Clinic Behind Wellness Centre (Clock Tower) 3 Wyatt Street East, Suite 2 Elmira, Ontario N3B 2H4 TEL: (519) 669-1212

Call Today!

For use at Belmont and Elmira locations until November 30th only.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM A Stiff Neck?

Ever feel really stiff in your lower neck? It may be coming from a stiff “1st rib.” If ribs do not move then other joints in the neck or shoulders often need to move more than they are designed. Then any number of symptoms may start to emerge like local pain in the joints and muscles of the shoulders and neck. Even more symptoms like numbness and tingling in the arms/hands may present themselves due to compression of the nerves and blood vessels around the 1st rib. This is by no means an exhaustive list and if you have these symptoms please consult with your physician and a physiotherapist you trust.

The following exercises are two commonly used exercises to help restore normal movement into the 1st rib (exercise examples are for the right 1st rib).

Right shoulder and neck shown and circle of common area of compression when a 1st rib is Elevated.

1

2

1st Rib Self-Mobilization using a Yoga Belt

Start by placing one end of the belt loop under your left thigh and the other end at the base of the right side of your neck. The belt should be taught but should not provoke pain or numbness/tingling symptoms. Then slowly and gently raise your arm and feel the tension of the belt increase. Stop if symptoms of numbness/tingling or pain begin. Repeat 10-15 times, 2-3x daily

2

1

Right Scalenes Stretch using a Yoga Belt

Start by placing the belt in the same position as for the previous exercise. Then gently tuck your chin and tilt your head to the left side until a gentle stretch is felt on the right side of your neck. Stop if you start to feel pain, numbness or tingling. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, repeat 3x, 2-3x daily.

Belmont Clinic Belmont Centre for Physical Medicine 564 Belmont Avenue West, Suite 301 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5N6 TEL: (519) 743-4355

Campus Clinic University of Waterloo Student Life Centre

Elmira Clinic Behind Wellness Centre (Clock Tower) 3 Wyatt Street East, Suite 2 Elmira, Ontario N3B 2H4 TEL: (519) 669-1212

200 University Avenue West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 TEL: (519) 884-0767