Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese practice of using needles to heal and prevent health related issues. It helps many issues including:

• Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma and chest infections.
• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and low back pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendinitis, sciatica, osteoarthritis, etc. Joint Venture Physiotherapy uses acupuncture in conjunction with other therapy techniques to treat these conditions.
• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
• Physical and emotional issues related to stress.

Acupuncture can be used for Nicotine addiction, weight loss and other miscellaneous problems you may be having.

Being overweight can lead to serious internal health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer. Obesity also has major negative effects to the musculoskeletal system. Joint and bone pain, especially in the knees, is often associated with obesity because of the severe pressure from the excess weight being exerted.

Osteoarthritis is very common in people suffering from obesity and occurs when the cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down and causes damage to the joints. The risk of joint damage during physical activity is also more dangerous for obese people, as they can produce forces on the joints of 6 to 10 times an individual’s body weight. This would mean that, for a 200lb person, walking would create a force of 600lbs and high intensity exercise could produce 1200-2000lbs of force placed on the knee joints. Over time, this will cause more wear and tear to the cartilage and increase the chances of arthritis and the possibility of having knee or hip replacements.

Obesity is a growing problem with poor diet and low activity being an undeniable factor. It is important to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain a normal body weight to protect your bones and joints from long-term and avoidable pain.

If you've been diagnosed with a "frozen" shoulder, you most likely suffer from severe long lasting pain coupled with difficulty moving the shoulder joint. This is a general term for a condition called adhesive capsulitis, in which the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff, greatly restricting motion.

Adhesive capsulitis is a very common disorder that primarily targets females between the ages 40-65. Frozen shoulder symptoms are primarily spontaneous as a result of previous injuries or disorders.
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For complete restoration of shoulder mobility and function, seek a physical therapist to preform shoulder joint mobilizations, modalities (manual therapy), stretches and active range of motion exercises. Results can be seen in a few sessions and full recovery in as little as 6 months. If you're struggling to perform daily activities as a result of severe shoulder stiffness and pain, it is essential to seek medical help as soon as possible for a speedy recovery.

1. Physiotherapists work with the patient to regain their physical function after undergoing surgery, an injury, recovering from an illness or disease, workplace or motor vehicle accidents, and age-related conditions.
2. Physiotherapists can practice their profession in private practice clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, client’s homes, schools, and community based clinics.
3. Don’t have a referral. Don’t worry! Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners. You can visit a physiotherapist without a referral. However, in order for physiotherapy services to be covered, some extended health insurance plans require a referral from your doctor
4. There are many areas in which physiotherapists work: post-operative care, neurology, orthopaedics, cardiorespiratory, sports medicine and animal rehabilitation.
5. There are a variety of benefits that physiotherapy treatment provides; including pain relief, increased joint range of motion, improved strength, and coordination. Physiotherapy can increase your independence and day to day function in your home, workplace or favourite leisure activity.

From the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Ortho Connect is a free, telephone-based peer support program through which people newly referred for bone and joint surgery are matched with trained volunteers who have already undergone similar surgical treatment. Volunteers are trained to listen, support, and encourage, and to refer clients to community resources for information and assistance based on individual client needs and desires.  Ortho Connect enables patients to learn, understand and become comfortable with their upcoming surgery, supported by a person who knows what they’re going through.
http://orthoconnect.org/