DMI stands for Dynamic Movement Intervention. It is a therapeutic technique used to treat children with gross motor impairments. The techniques and exercises used in DMI promote the improvement of automatic postural responses and therefore promote progress towards developmental milestones. The goal of DMI is to provoke a specific active motor response from the child in response to a defined dynamic exercise prescribed by a certified therapist.
Read MoreI would like to share my few thoughts for World Parkinson's Day on April 11 , which is an international day to help spread awareness about Parkinson's Disease. Almost 500,000 people are suffering from Parkinson's Disease in the USA and around 30 patients with Parkinson's are diagnosed every day in Canada!The reason for giving these numbers is that you are not alone!
Read MorePrimitive reflexes are a normal and necessary part of development for infants and toddlers. Most of them are integrated (and therefore no longer present) by the age of 2. An example of this is the Palmar Grasp Reflex which is the automatic flexing of the fingers to grab an object when the palm of the hand is stimulated. This is a reflex that is usually integrated into the system within the first few months of life. When reflexes are retained longer than they should be, this can have an impact on our ability to learn physical skills (both fine and gross motor), emotional regulation, and attention and focus.
Read MoreNeuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself in order to learn and change. It is essential to healing post-stroke. Neuroplasticity is based on 10 main principles which are at the foundation of neuro-physiotherapy. Our neurophysiotherapists have specific training and expertise in working with individuals post-stroke based on these principles of neuroplasticity.
Read MoreVestibular therapy is a specialised branch in physiotherapy that involves the assessment and treatment of vestibular dysfunction related to many conditions. Vestibular rehabilitation has been greatly researched and is backed by strong evidence.
Read MoreThe craniosacral system is a physiological system that is comprised of the cerebrospinal fluid and its surrounding membranes which serve the purpose of protecting the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are also known as the meninges. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, light-touch treatment technique used by various health care practitioners. The main goal of this treatment is to support and nourish the central nervous system by connecting with and mobilizing the craniosacral system.
Read MoreBrain injuries and concussions are one of the most common injuries worldwide. With increasing recent media attention, the awareness for these injuries has been growing exponentially. Often one of the most frequently reported symptoms following a head injury is difficulties with anxiety, depression, and stress. This post will highlight why anxiety, stress, and depression are common symptoms in individuals following a head injury and why it is important to manage these.
Read MoreCommunication is a basic human right, but those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing may not have equal access to language and communication within their communities, workplaces, social circles or even families. Speech-Language Pathologists may play a role in assisting d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to develop their communication skills and increase their access to and participation in the community.
Read MoreDid you know that there are many different areas of expertise that a physiotherapist can practice in? One of the most common questions we get asked is what is the difference between a neurological and orthopedic physiotherapist.
Read MoreThe Neurological Physiotherapist treats people who have sustained an injury to or have a disease of the brain or central nervous system. They are able to see and feel problems and provide hands-on treatment rather than the modality-based interventions of a general physiotherapist.
Read MoreEndometriosis is a painful disorder that affects up to 10% of all women. However, endometriosis sufferers do not have to live in pain. Hands-on pelvic floor physiotherapy can help endometriosis sufferers manage their pain and reduce tightness in the surrounding muscles and connective tissues.
Read MorePelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) is a specialized branch of physiotherapy involving internal and external assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles. Those muscles are located between the hip bones and the sacrum, and they serve as a bowl to support the pelvic organs including the bladder, colon, and uterus.
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As Myofascial Release therapy continues to grow in popularity, I often have many people curious as to how our neurological physiotherapists use myofascial release to treat clients with neurological diseases and conditions. We are now familiar with the benefit that myofascial release can have on tight muscles, poor alignment, and tension – but how does myofascial release help people with Parkinson’s disease, strokes, spinal cord injuries and much more?
Read MoreAnyone who has looked in to treatment for pain and injuries has probably come across the word Myofascial Release. As it grows in popularity, many people look to try this therapy approach as an alternative to more traditional physiotherapy and massage therapy.
Read MoreA lot of the time we forget that pain is normal and helpful! Pain allows us to know when we are in danger. Pain is the body’s way of communicating with the brain that it is in danger and/or injured and physical action is required. For example, you are playing soccer and fall and break your leg. The pain from your broken leg lets you know that you are injured and you need to go to the hospital. However, all pain is not this simple. This is when we start to see the aspects of chronic/persistent pain arise.
Read MoreIn a world surrounded by technology it has become increasingly common to monitor and manage our health through apps on your phone. However, scouring the app store with its thousands of apps to find great, useful apps can be overwhelming, especially for those suffering from a brain injury. Here is a list of applications that we highly recommend for clients suffering from a brain injury - whether its post-concussion syndrome or a traumatic brain injury. We have compiled this list based on our own professional opinions and are meant to supplement the work being done in coordination with healthcare practitioners.
Read MoreHeadaches are one of the most common, and often debilitating, health problems that almost every person has experienced and can relate to. But other than taking an Aspirin, what do most people do to help get rid of headaches if they become a chronic and enduring problem?
Read MoreAlmost everyone can relate to the miserable feelings of stress - the exhaustion, the anxiety and tension. Over the course of evolution, our human body has developed a well-adapted system for dealing with daily stressors. However, recent evidence over the past few decades has shown that long-term stress can have harmful effects on the body. And all of the research points to the same conclusion - chronic stress is harmful to our bodies.
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