Physiotherapy Blog

post-prostatectomy-incontinence Post-prostatectomy-incontinence is a common problem after radical prostatectomy. Patients report that this is the symptom which most disrupts their quality of life. Up to 75 percent of men experience a short period of mild incontinence. This is particularly after removal of the catheter that was placed during surgery. Most patients regain total urinary control after radical prostatectomy. However, this can take up to a year to achieve. Apparently, a small percentage (2% to 4%) experience permanent incontinence. Following radical prostatectomy, men who experience post-prostatectomy-incontinence may express concerns about visible wetness, urine odor, and the type of clothing that can be comfortably worn. Types of Urinary Incontinence The two types of post-protatectomy incontinence following prostate surgery are: • Stress incontinence – Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine that can occur during physical activity, like lifting a heavy object, or when you laugh or sneeze. These . activities put…

Female & Male pelvic pain There are various conditions which are treatable under male and female pelvic pain. Vulvodynia Pain that affects the entire vulva Symptoms • Burning • Stabbing • Stinging • Itching • Sensitive to touch and pressure • Functional limitation (Sex/ tampon/clothes) Vestibulodynia The vestibule is where the vulva (area of the skin on the outside) meets with the vagina. It is an extremely sensitive part of your body. Symptoms: Hypersensitivity on light touch, such as during intercourse and on insertion of tampons.Some women have pain but are able to tolerate penetrative sex. They may have soreness and tenderness. This may include soreness with tight clothes and even light touch to the area. Dyspareunia, Vaginismus, Dysmenorrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Endometriosis Vaginismus: Inability to penetrate due to spasm of the muscles Dyspareunia: Painful vaginal penetration in the absence of disease Dysmenorrhea: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal…

  Urinary tract infections Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Bacteria then begin to multiply in the bladder. The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. • Infection of the bladder (cystitis). • Infection of the urethra (urethritis) Symptoms • A strong, persistent urge to urinate • A burning sensation when urinating • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine • Urine that appears cloudy • Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine • Strong-smelling urine • Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone Check out this video for more information: http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections#1 Lifestyle changes: Urinary tract infections can be painful. You can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics treat the infection. Follow these…

Pelvic organ Prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse is a very annoying problem. Pelvic organs, such as the uterus, cervix, bladder or bowel, may protrude into the vagina because of weakness in the tissues that normally support them. It is a disorder described as a protrusion at or near the vaginal opening. This may or may not cause perineal pressure. This condition is aggravated by standing and relieved by lying down. Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Vaginal child birth Advancing age Increased body weight Hysterectomy Chronic straining Abnormalities of connective tissue Connective tissue repair causes some women to have disruption, stretching, or dysfunction of the connective-tissue attachments of the vagina, or both. This can result in prolapse. Symptoms of Pelvic Organ prolapse: The symptoms can vary, depending on the type of prolapse. Generally, people have several complaints. These include bladder, bowel, and pelvic symptoms. Symptoms can include Urinary retention. They can also…

Acupuncture – Physiotherapy Classical acupuncture originated ~2250 years ago. It has its history in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern “western” acupuncture originated in the 1970s, Western acupuncture was based on modern anatomical knowledge. Acupuncture – Physiotherapy involves the insertion of thin needles into the body at specific points. Because the needles are so thin (1/100th the width of a hypodermic needle), there is very little feeling when they are put in. Many people barely feel it when the needles go into the skin. Most acupuncture points are located on or next to nerves and muscles. Benefits of Acupuncture – Physiotherapy: The introduction of acupuncture needles can reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture – physiotherapy can help to restore normal function. Acupuncture can also help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, as well as promote energy and relaxation. Safety Concerns with Acupuncture – Physiotherapy Acupuncture is very safe when performed correctly. Before any acupuncture…

Urinary Incontinence Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. This condition is more common among women than men. An estimated 30 percent of females aged 30-60 are thought to suffer from it, compared to 1.5-5 percent of men. 3.3 million Canadians have Urinary Incontinence. – 1 in 4 women – 1 in 9 men Only 1 in 12 people tell a health care worker, WHY? – Embarrassed – They think it is a Private Issue – Some think it is an Inevitable part of aging….IT IS NOT! This issue has a lot of Social Consequences like decreased self esteem.It also causes impaired emotional status, depression and isolation. It impedes social and physical activity. It has a heavy economic burden on patients, families and society (Hunskaar, 1991, Temml, 2000). Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence Gynecological or urinary surgery • Chronic Illness • Medication • Smoking • Chronic straining • Obesity…

Recovery tips: Total Knee Replacement Getting a new metallic knee and a big surgery can be very overwhelming. It is particularly hard right after the surgery! Here you will find some Recovery Tips: Total Knee Replacement. These can help with faster recovery. Exercise- During the first few days following the surgery, you are at risk of developing a clot in your calf. This is because as you are not moving much due to pain or from the effect of anesthesia. Simple foot/ankle exercises will prevent pooling of blood around your calf leading to a possible clot. Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga can help to manage your pain and swelling right after the surgery. Other Recovery tips: Total Knee Replacement Many surgeons recommend providing compression to the area using a compression stocking. They also recommend using ice around your knee joint. Its usually done with your leg elevated so that gravity can further…

Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Mississauga Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Mississauga What leads to shoulder dislocation?Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Mississauga can help! Many people who have had a dislocated shoulder often refer back to the incident as being so sudden. All that they remember is hearing a loud click and the feeling of excruciating pain immediately after the injury. Yes! they could actually feel the shoulder as it is wrenched out of the socket. It can be a very dreadful experience!!! That’s when you need Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Mississauga!. Depending on the severity of injury, Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Mississauga varies. Generally, your doctor orders an X-Ray and Ultrasound to determine the extent of the injury. Shoulder dislocation classifications: Shoulder dislocations are classified depending on your symptoms and X-Ray findings. This helps to decide which general guidelines to follow for treating your dislocated shoulder. Usually, a shoulder sling is provided to…

Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga Foot Pain Management Mississauga Pain in the foot can result from a sprain of a ligament. It can come from inflammation of a tendon or bony changes from arthritis. It can also come from dropped arches or irritation of the plantar fascia. These are just some of the reasons that a person can develop foot pain. The anatomy of the foot can make this body part a difficult one to treat well. The key lies in diagnosing the source of the pain correctly. A Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga has the knowledge and expertise to get this information from the assessment. Foot pain Management Mississauga: Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga of course depends on the injury. It usually consists of modalities for pain. It can include hands on Physiotherapy treatment to treat the pain and stiffness. This is followed by an exercise program that includes a stretching and strengthening program to…

Shoulder Dislocation Shoulder Dislocation can be a scary experience! A lot of times, the injury happens so quickly that a patient doesn’t even know what has happened to their shoulder. But what they do know is that there is intense pain and that the shoulder joint looks deformed. How does Shoulder Dislocation Happen? A shoulder dislocation is usually caused by falling onto your shoulder, trying to stop a fall with the hand or getting hit in the shoulder. With this injury, the ball of the humerus, which is the long bone of the upper arm, has come out of its socket, which is part of the shoulder blade. When this happens, the soft tissue structures that make up the shoulder joint are also overstretched and torn. The ball of the humerus can either be moved out through the front or the back of the socket. The direction of the shoulder…