What is a cervicogenic headache? Firstly, the term “cervicogenic” means produced by the neck. Thus, cervicogenic headaches arise from structures in the neck. Namely, the upper cervical and atlanto-occipital joints are affected, and the resultant pain is perceived in the head and face.  The main symptoms of a cervicogenic headache are a combination of unilateral pain (more or isolated pain on one side), and diffuse shoulder and arm pain on the same side of the headache.  Why do these headaches happen? A cervicogenic headache is thought to be a referred pain from irritation in cervical structures. Specifically, it is the structures that…

What are Tension Type Headaches? Tension type headaches (TTH) are one of the most prevalent types of headache. Unfortunately, they affect a significant portion of the population globally. When experienced, they feel like a dull, aching, type of headache that may wrap around the head. In fact, some patients describe it feeling like a tight band is compressing their skull. Unlike migraines that have symptoms like nausea, noise or light sensitivity, and visual manifestations, tension headaches do not have additional symptoms other than pain. Overall, frequent tension headaches could decrease one’s quality of life. What causes them? Tension Type Headaches…

How do Headaches occur? There are many different types of headaches with many different causes. Many people may blame it on the weather, stress, or work, and feel like it is out of their control and that nothing can help their headaches. If this sounds like you, there is treatment available and you do not have to live with your pain. Headaches that stem from your neck or jaw are treatable through physiotherapy and can result in a decreased intensity and frequency or even stop them completely. However, migraines can also be manageable with rehab. What are headaches from the neck? Cervicogenic Headache Headaches that stem from the neck are known as cervicogenic headaches and are a type of referred pain. Referred pain means that the pain actually originates from another part of the body, and not the place where you actually feel the pain. Moreover,…

What is Massage Therapy? Massage Therapy, provided by a Registered Massage Therapist includes manipulation of soft tissues of the body. These soft tissues may include muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, and connective tissue. The therapist will use a variety of different massage techniques and provide pressure to alleviate pain, discomfort, and stress. For example, some of the most popular massage therapy techniques include deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, trigger point release, and myofascial release. How was massage created? The concept of therapeutic touch and a healing touch in relation to massage therapy can be dated back in time to over 5 000 years ago. It was found to relieve pain, help to heal, reduce stress and increase relaxation.  Historically, in China, these methods were thought to fix the flow of energy throughout the body and realign the body’s natural state. However, in India, it was practiced as a sacred method of…

Work from Home? Be active from home too! With changing times , continuing  to work from home  seems very appealing. But is it really safe for your body? Excessive sitting behaviour has increased more than ever since Covid times in the comfort of your home. This increases the risk of Low back and upper back pain, wrist pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and other overuse injuries. How many breaks do you take from your chair? Are you using a chair while you work from home? At Physio Now it’s our mission to help you get more active and also…

  What is Migraine and how does it feel? Migraine is type of headache which radiates to jaw, eyes, one of face and neck and shoulder sometimes. It can cause throbbing and severe sensations on your one side of face including jaw and eyes and forehead. Sometimes, it is accompanied by other symptoms like pressure in back of head, pulsating sensation on face, sensitive to noise, light, nausea and vomiting. Migraine management is of utmost important from the time you start experiencing it. Symptoms: Migraine attacks are long lasting depending on the patient. It can vary from hours to days. Sometimes, it is severe enough to interfere in your daily life and work life. Sign and symptoms: Pressure/tension in different area of head, usually in back of the head Difficulty in Concentration Nausea and sometimes accompanied by fever Vomiting Sensitive to noise Sensitive to lights Flashes on face Visual disturbance…

Neck related dizziness Neck related or cervicogenic dizziness is one of the common causes of dizziness and affects 45-80% population. However, while treating the symptoms of being dizzy/light-headed, this diagnosis is commonly missed. How can it come from the neck? Nerves from the upper part of the neck connect with the vestibular system(area of the brain responsible for balance). As a result, any injury or impairment in the upper neck like car accident (whiplash), abnormal posture or any inflammatory condition could eventually lead to disturbance in the vestibular system. This, in turn, leads to dizziness. How to know if your dizziness is related to your neck? If you are experiencing lightheadedness, unsteadiness, feeling imbalanced and above all, feeling like your external environment is spinning Moreover, if your symptoms comes with moving the head quickly in any direction, during sitting or standing up Further, if you are experiencing headache and neck…

Accident Rehabilitation What is Accident Rehabilitation? Motor vehicle accidents happen everyday in Ontario.  As a result, they produce a lot of pain, disability and stress for those involved. The impact can be quite debilitating. Accident rehabilitation is treatment that is given after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. It is important to seek out Registered Physiotherapists who are experienced in Accident Rehabilitation to ensure proper recovery. At PhysioNow we offer high quality Registered Physiotherapy and Registered Massage therapy treatments to help you recover from your injuries. Registered Massage Therapy Who is entitled to receive Accident Rehabilitation? Any person who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario is entitled to receive Accident Rehabilitation benefits . This would include if you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle.  It would also include coverage for treatment if you were involved in…

TMJ syndrome TMJ syndrome is broadly classified into 2 syndromes. The temporo- mandibular joint (TMJ) is the synovial joint that connects the jaw to the skull. These joints are located just in front of each ear. Classification of TMJ syndrome TMD is broadly classified into 2 syndromes: • Muscle-related TMD (myogenous TMD), sometimes called TMD secondary to myofascial pain and dysfunction • Joint-related TMD, or TMD secondary to true articular disease Causes of TMJ syndrome • trauma • disease, • wear and tear due to aging • oral habits, such as chewing gum, tobacco, candy or ice grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw   Signs and Symptoms of TMJ syndrome • Pain in the jaw • Clicking and popping sound in the ear • Pain while chewing the food • Stiff and sore jaw muscles • headaches Treatment for TMJ syndrome ? general • including heat to the joint, •…

Heat and Cold therapy How it works When we apply Heat therapy, it improves circulation and blood flow to  that area due to increased temperature. Heat therapy can relax and soothe muscles and heal damaged tissue. Types Dry Heat therapy includes sources like heating pads, dry heating packs, and even saunas. This heat is easy to apply. Moist Heat therapy includes sources like steamed towels, moist heating packs, Theratherm heating pads that take moisture from the air, or hot baths. Moist heat may be slightly more effective as well as require less application time for the same results. Contraindications diabetes dermatitis vascular diseases deep vein thrombosis multiple sclerosis (MS)  Heat is useful for relieving: osteoarthritis strains and sprains tendonitis, or chronic irritation and stiffness in the tendons warming up stiff muscles or tissue before activity relieving pain or spasms relating to neck or back injury, including the lower back Cold…