Many people who suffer from joint pain from conditions such as arthritis, or are recovering from an injury, benefit the most from water-based exercises.
Water exercises allows you to get a full-body workout without putting stress on the joints. Both low and high impact exercises are much easier to perform in the water which supports the body’s weight, minimizing any pain that normally results. This means exercising in the water limits your risk of aggravating chronic injuries and encourages a faster recovery in combination with physiotherapy treatments. Don't be fooled by the lack of sweat produced during exercise in the water. Not only is it easier, but the added resistance actually allows you to get the most out of your exercise. A person who weighs 150lbs. can burn 272 calories in one hour. Benefits:
Adding water exercises in conjunction with regular physiotherapy treatments can increase the speed of recovery as well as decrease joint pain. Contact your local recreation centre for aquatic exercise classes that suit your needs.
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Although sometimes used interchangeably, sprains and strains are two different types of injuries resulting from soft tissue damage to the musculoskeletal system. Both strains and sprains result from sudden twists or jolts that apply more force to the tissue that it is able to tolerate.
Sprains A sprain is a joint injury that involves tearing of the ligaments and joint capsule. It occurs when a joint is twisted while bearing some weight. An example of a common strain is one that results from twisting an ankle during physical activity and generally, most strains are found in the thumb, ankle and wrist. Strains A strain however, is an injury to the muscle or tendons. Common sites for sprains include the back and the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh and are usually related to sport injuries or following other physical activities such as heavy lifting. Which Do You Have? So how do you know if you have a sprain or a strain? Again, a sprain occurs in the joint while a strain occurs to the muscle. The primary symptoms of sprains include limited mobility, inflammation, pain, swelling, and bruising while strains are often accompanied by pain, cramping, swelling, muscle spasms, and stiffness or soreness in the muscle. Treatment Both minor sprains and strains can be treated with the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method. In addition, over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen as well as topical creams and gels can reduce pain and inflammation. Chronic injuries (those that worsen over time) require rehabilitation to strengthen the affected area. In order to limit your risk of further injuries, wrap the affected area or wear a brace when you resume activity. Physiotherapy can help you through recovery following a stroke with a program that focuses on challenging your brain and nerves, as well as muscles, balance and coordination.
Treatment methods that physiotherapist use with patients recovering from a stroke include:
Working to improve strength and balance should also be done at home to ease the recovery process. Here are a few tips to try out:
Working to regain normality in your life following a stroke can be discouraging. It is hard to remember that rehabilitation does not occur overnight. While some people see significant improvements from the effects of a stroke within a few weeks, you are more likely to see recovery gradually while receiving Physiotherapy treatment. It is also important to make sure you take precaution to prevent future strokes by:
Many exercise-related injuries are a result of neglecting to properly warm-up your muscles prior to working out and performing a cool-down afterwards.
The primary goal of a warm-up is to loosen muscles, gradually increase the heart rate, and increase blood circulation to provide muscles with an adequate supply of oxygen. Tips for a Warm-Up:
Tips for a Cool-Down:
Tips for Stretching:
Most people find it’s hard to set aside time for an exercise regime with a busy schedule, and if there is time, you’re usually too tired to have motivation. Making small changes in your daily routine can be just as effective as going to the gym a couple times a week. Here are some simple ways to be more physically active at home, at work and at play to help you maintain good health.
At Home
At the Office
At Play
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