Physiotherapy Blog | Summit Physiotherapy St. Albert

How to Identify Tendonitis, Bursitis, Sprains & Tears

Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is inflammation of a tendon. A tendon acts as the cable that attaches the muscle to the bone. If the tendon gets overly stressed and strained, it may get irritated and inflamed. We often hear of tendonitis involving the knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, or heels such as, “tennis elbow,” “achilles tendonitis,” or “jumper’s knee.” It can be easily confused with other conditions that involve the joints because they involve similar levels of pain and swelling and disability. We regularly diagnose and treat a variety of joint conditions in our St. Albert clinic. Receiving an accurate diagnosis …

Craniosacral Therapy for TMJ

One of the hardest working joints in the body, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge between your jaw and skull, and is critical for speaking, chewing, yawning and making facial expressions.

Unfortunately, many of us suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) which can cause pain and make it difficult for us to open and close our mouths. People can develop TMJ problems for many different reasons, including jaw injuries (from a direct blow or a car accident), arthritis, teeth grinding at night, and stress. Problems with the joint can come on very quickly or develop over time, as well.

Swimming for Injury Recovery

Exercising in water can help people recover from a variety of injuries.

Swimming isn’t just a way to cool off in the summer heat: time in the pool can also relieve pain and improve recovery from a wide range of injuries, including knee and back pain and can help even after you’ve had surgery.

Research shows that swimming and aquatic exercise can help people with injuries rebuild strength, increase range of motion, improve cardiovascular fitness, and more. Here’s what you need to know before you dive in.

Can Physiotherapy Be An Alternative To Pain Medication?

Updated: December 6, 2022

Clients often complain of neck and low back pain, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders — like carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis — which can involve the muscles, ligaments, nerves, or tendons of the body.

Many of them don’t think twice when reaching for pain medication, but these pills are not a cure-all. Although pain-relieving pharmaceutical treatments provide some short-term relief, they don’t address the underlying causes of pain, and many come with health risks.

How To Improve Your Posture For Better Health

Updated: February 2022

Many of us may suffer from sore muscles, back and shoulder pain, or even a stiff neck even though our daily lives aren’t physically demanding. The culprit is often bad posture, a side effect of spending a lot of time at a desk or glancing down at your mobile device throughout the day.

6 Common Ski Injuries & How To Avoid Them

Winter is a magical time of year for skiers and snowboarders who relish the opportunity to carve up the slopes or zip through fresh powder. Unfortunately, both novice and experienced athletes alike are at risk of being injured by the sports they love. Here are a few of the most common injuries on the slopes and what you can do to keep having fun all season long.

13 Activities To Keep Your Family Healthy This Winter In St. Albert

Updated: October 2022

Sub-zero temperatures make it tempting to cuddle up on the couch with Netflix and comfort food. While it’s normal to feel sluggish in the winter, kids and adults alike need to remain active to stay healthy.

This winter, resist the urge to hibernate and instead head outside for active, family fun! St. Albert and the greater Edmonton area have plenty of family-friendly winter activities available all season long.

Here are a few ideas for families looking to keep moving when the temperatures dip:

6 Common Winter Injuries In Alberta & How To Avoid Them

Updated: January 26, 2022

When the snow flies, many of us are eager to hit the slopes or go skating at the neighbourhood outdoor rink. Even those who are not winter sports enthusiasts will still spend a good amount of time outdoors shoveling snow from sidewalks or driveways and enjoying winter activities. Unfortunately, the snow and ice that come with Alberta winters can result in some additional hazards.

We outline some of the top winter injuries and tips on how to avoid them so you can enjoy the season injury-free!

How To Manage Seasonal Migraines & Headaches

Updated: November 4, 2021

Many people suffer from seasonal migraines and headaches due to many different reasons. Most people will reach for Tylenol, ibuprofen, or something similar to relieve the symptoms, but we’re here to provide you with other options available to help you manage your migraine pain as the weather gets colder.

How To Stay Hydrated In The Fall

Updated: October 6, 2021

In the summertime, most of us remember to drink plenty of water during outdoor activities. However, we’re often less mindful of hydration when summer fades to fall and the temperatures start to dip.

An active body needs plenty of water during cold weather! Whether you’re playing a fall sport like football or soccer or preparing your yard for the winter, good hydration will help your body move better — and avoid injury!