Plantar Fascia Problems

As the fascial tissue is stretched, it needs time to rest and rehabilitate; failure to do so can add more pressure and increase the risk of further damage.  What begins as an occasional heel ache when you wear the wrong pair of shoes can become a sharp stabbing pain when you first get out of bed in the morning.

Custom Orthotic Solutions

Stress on the plantar fascia can be helped by the usage of orthotic shoe inserts. Orthotics provide support to the arches in the feet, which reduces the amount of pressure the plantar fascia undergoes during activity.  And custom orthotics fit each foot individually.

Capilano’s Footmaxx custom orthotics provide several orthotic accommodations that are designed to ease the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

For example, a Footmaxx semi-rigid orthotic can correct the abnormal biomechanics of your foot by raising the plantar fascia to its optimal position and thereby facilitates the natural healing process.

Furthermore, specific orthotic accommodations such as Heelmaxx™ and Heel Cushions can provide additional strategic support to the heel by offloading the amount of pressure it normally undergoes in the gait cycle.

Whatever your footwear needs, Capilano offers orthotics that can fit dress shoes, work boots, and golf spikes.

Additional Treatment Options

In addition to orthotics, your acute and sub-acute plantar fasciitis may benefit from conventional physical therapy treatments and/or Graston® Technique.

For chronic heel pain, Capilano offers state of the art non-surgical treatment options such as Magnetic Bio-Stimulation Therapy and Radial Shockwave.

You Are Welcome to Call Capilano

If you are uncertain as to the cause of your heel pain, call Capilano today at 780-466-1104 to book your clinical assessment.  If you are certain that you need an orthotic, ask to attend our complimentary Footmaxx Gait Clinic where our professional staff will assess you for abnormal foot biomechanics with their state-of-the-art computerized gait analysis and help you protect your gait with Footmaxx Orthotics..

Medical Acupuncture

What is old is new again!  Acupuncture is an ancient health treatment approach that is making a remarkable comeback in our modern times.

What is Medical Acupuncture?

Capilano’s acupuncture providers are certified in Medical Acupuncture. Medical acupuncture is a modern treatment approach founded in concepts of neurology, anatomy and physiology.

Similar to traditional Chinese acupuncture, medical acupuncture involves the strategic placement of sterile needles into various locations in the body.

The major difference between the two forms of acupuncture is that medical acupuncture often uses the selection of acupuncture points based both on the traditional Chinese approach as well as including points that are anatomically and neurologically connected to your specific source of pain.

Medical acupuncture is commonly used by medical doctors and physiotherapists in the treatment of chronic pain, or as an adjunct to their regular treatment regime.

The Effects of Acupuncture?

Contemporary research recognizes that medical acupuncture can block pain, induce the body’s release of natural painkillers to reduce pain, and also positively enhance a general sense of health and well-being. 

Positive Results

Recent research has found acupuncture to have positive results in the treatment of chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and management of chronic pain conditions.

Other musculoskeletal conditions that Capilano health practitioners commonly treat with medical acupuncture include:

• tendinosis
• rotator cuff injuries
• muscle strains
• joint sprains
• headaches
• repetitive strain injuries

As previously mentioned, medical acupuncture helps to restore your body’s natural nerve and muscle tone, increases blood flow and can provide pain relief for chronic conditions.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Typically, treatments last about 20-30 minutes and the number of needles used in a treatment will vary according to the individual, duration of pain and the condition being treated. An improvement of 15% to 20% in pain sensation can be experienced after the first treatment. In general, further improvement follows within a few days; however, the effects of this technique can also be immediate. Repeated treatments are necessary to see full pain relief in most cases.

Acupuncture Costs?

Acupuncture is not covered by Alberta Health or the Capital Health Authority.  You may be eligible to be reimbursed by your private insurance plan.

Is Medical Acupuncture Painful?

Typically acupuncture treatment is a pain-free experience.  However, everybody has a different and unique response to acupuncture.  Some people may have a heightened sympathetic response to needles which results in the sensation of light headedness, fatigue and occasional sweating. The majority of the thin filament needles are imperceptible when placed in the body.  At most, you may feel the needle to be like a mosquito bite.  There can be some further tightness being related to the tightness of the tissue the needle is in.

Furthermore, for a completely successful outcome, the point to be treated could be the one that reproduces the referred pain.  This means that the needle placement could partially recreate the problem pain sensation via an autonomic or somatic segmental response. While undesirable, it is necessary to target the source of the pain in order to fully resolve musculoskeletal conditions.

However, the end result of pain resolution is always worth the slight discomfort one might experience during the course of treatment.

Appointments are Available

Call us today at 780-466-1104 to schedule your acupuncture and let our modern treatments and old-fashioned care help you wake up to pain free living!

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial Shockwave is not an electric shock, like that from a socket, but is a physical sound wave “shock”, similar to one generated by a supersonic jet fighter.  Radial Shockwave Therapy is a series of therapeutic low-energy micro “sonic booms” that are applied to the affected area.

What Kind of Problems Respond to RSWT?

Shockwave Therapy can help the following chronic pain problems:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Spur Syndrome
• Achilles Tendonitis & Thickening
• Tennis Elbow
• Golfer’s Elbow
• Trochanteric Bursitis
• Chronic Hamstring Strain
• Infra Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
• Calcific Tendonitis of the Rotator Cuff
• Hallux Limitis (Stiff & Painful Big Toe)

Is Radial Shockwave a New Therapy?

Yes and no.  Until the introduction of Radial Shockwave, therapeutic treatment options for chronic tendonitis were typically limited to anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) and basic therapeutic programs combining rest, stretching exercises and other conventional therapies, such as ultrasound, TENS, and soft tissue mobilization.

Occasionally, injections of corticosteroids were performed and, less often, surgical operations – all with the goal of reducing the pain to enable patients to return to activities and sports they enjoyed. Unfortunately, the traditional approach was not always successful and so a newer treatment for chronic tendonitis was investigated to bring greater relief to those suffering from chronic tendonitis pain.

In the early 1990’s, European researchers developed and administered a focal point shockwave with modified kidney stone lithotripters over chronically scarred and calcific soft tissue.  Not only was the application cumbersome (as the devices were not designed for arms and legs!), the focal point application was so painful that patients had to be given anaesthetic in order to tolerate the treatment.  And not surprisingly, the results were not optimal either.

It soon became apparent that treatment with lower energy, spread-beam (radial) shock waves, with equipment designed for upper and lower extremities, would be better tolerated and yield more effective outcomes.   In turn, Radial Shockwave treatment units were produced for the new millennium.

When did Capilano Begin Offering Shockwave?

Capilano Rehab had been tracking Shockwave Therapy research since the mid-1990’s, and when the high-quality low-energy RSWT treatment units became approved and available in Canada, Capilano invested in a state-of-the-art Swiss-Dolorclast® RSWT system. 

Since then, there have been continual upgrades to treatment protocols and equipment and Capilano has kept abreast of the changes and has purchased additional RSWT equipment as it has become tested and available. 

For example, Capilano uses the new RSWT applicators that can now treat chronic upper hamstring strains more efficiently and effectively.

How Many Shockwave Treatments Might I Need?

Most patients require up to four (4) treatment sessions with a week pause between sessions.  Extremely severe problems or those with larger surface areas may require one or two booster treatments which may be administered at either a 6 week or 12 week follow-up appointment interval.

Do Technicians Administer the Treatments?

No.  At Capilano, only registered Physical Therapists who are trained in the technique administer your Shockwave treatments.  Not only is there a science, but there is also an art to the RSWT treatment.  Physical Therapists are university graduates, most of who have over 6 years of training, and who are uniquely skilled to diagnose and treat soft tissue injuries.

Do I Need A Doctor’s Referral?

No.  A referral is not necessary but they are always welcome.  We enjoy working with your physician or other designated health provider in order to ensure your complete confidence and peace of mind.

Does the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Pay for the Treatment?

No.  Your private insurance plan may provide full or partial coverage but may require your Doctor’s written referral first.  Interested patients will need to check with their private insurance to determine the specific coverage eligibility and requirements. Of course, we will help you as best we can to ensure you get the information you need.

Are Appointments Available?

Yes.  Call us today at 780-466-1104 for your complimentary, no obligation screen evaluation and let our modern treatments and old-fashioned care help you wake up to pain free living!

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is actually a condition called medial epicondylitis.  The pain is caused by the inflammation of the gristle-like tissue (common flexor origin) from your forearm that attaches onto the bony bump on the inside of the elbow near the funny bone.  Repetitive stresses or strains can cause micro-tears in the elbow common flexors.  These tears become much larger with continual aggravation.

Due to the location of the tears, repetitive swings with a golf club, mishitting the ground and chunking out a divot, twisting a wrench or pliers, or gripping a soft-ball, can re-aggravate the problem.  And even everyday household chores and activities may also interfere with the rest needed for normal healing.

How Do I Know I have Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow may appear suddenly or gradually.  Some common signs of Golfer’s Elbow are:

• Pain and tenderness over the inside of your elbow.
• Elbow stiffness or weakness.  Your elbow can also feel stiff and your grip could feel weak.
• Worsened by making a fist or picking up something with your palm down
• Worsened by swinging a golf club or turning a door knob

When to see my Physio?

With the appropriate intervention, you can get back into the swing of things. If ice, rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories don’t ease your elbow pain and tenderness, it’s time to visit Capilano at your earliest convenience.

What are some Capilano Treatment Approaches?

Acute Phase.  Capilano physiotherapists will use a combination of ice, ultrasound, and other state of the art physical modalities.  Also, flexibility and strengthening exercises are typically incorporated and a forearm strap may be recommended.

Sub-Acute Phase.  Graston Technique™ is often incorporated if the problem has been around for more than a few weeks.  This technique is able to address any adhesions that may have developed.

Chronic Phase.  Capilano offers Shockwave Treatments for chronic golfer’s elbow.  If you have had chronic pain for over 3 months, and other interventions have failed, Shockwave may be your best option.

Remember, the pain of golfer’s elbow doesn’t have to keep you off the golf course or away from your favorite activities!  Call Capilano now at (780)-466-1104 to schedule your exam as soon as possible. Let Capilano help you wake up and swing to pain free living!

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Normally,   your shoulder ball and socket joint and the surrounding muscles and ligaments are well lubricated and able to stretch easily.  However, if these tissues become inflamed, they lose their elasticity causing your shoulder to tighten up in all directions.  Even simple movements become difficult.  The technical term for frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis and the major causes are:

• Gradual pain and stiffness that starts without any obvious cause ( note: women over 40 with a history of diabetes or thyroid disease appear to be at greater risk).
• After a traumatic injury (eg., slip and fall)
• Following surgery where the shoulder is kept still for a long time (e.g., in a sling,).

Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Typically, adhesive capsulitis has three stages:

• Freezing stage. Pain is present most or all of the time. Sleeping is difficult and all movements aggravate the pain (usually lasts 3 to 6 months, sometimes more).
• Frozen stage. Pain usually lessens slightly but shoulder continues to stiffen (can last up to 12 months).
• Thawing stage.  Pain goes away and shoulder movements begin to come back (can last up to 24 months).

Unfreezing Your Shoulder with Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are highly skilled at assessing and treating people with frozen shoulder.  Capilano physiotherapists will conduct a thorough examination to determine if you actually have frozen shoulder (eg. not rotator cuff or bursitis) and its stage.

After your exam, your attending Capilano Physiotherapist will: 

• Focus on pain control in the pain stage (e.g., gentle exercises, treatments to gently mobilize the joint, etc.)
• Focus on range of motion in the frozen stage (e.g., strengthening exercises, manual therapy, etc)
• Focus on functional exercises and rehabilitation in the recovery stage to restore flexibility and function

It is important to understand the stage as treatment differs for each stage. Pushing the movement too early can worsen the pain, not pushing enough can lead to more stiffness. Your physical therapist will help you determine how much to push. 

Recovery Expectations

Recovery takes time and success depends upon participation in the treatment plan provided by your physiotherapist.  

For stubborn and non-responsive frozen shoulders, Capilano offers additional treatment options which may assist with your recovery, including but not limited to:

• Shockwave Therapy
• Gunn IMS
• BIODEX
• Acupuncture

If your shoulder is getting stiff and sore, don’t wait for a referral.  Get moving.  Keep Moving. Call Capilano now at (780)-466-1104 to schedule your exam as soon as possible.  Let Capilano help you wake up to painfree living.

Capilano is pleased to offer the BIODEX® System to Edmonton and the surrounding area physical therapy patients. 

The BIODEX® incorporates the latest in auto-programming, tested robotic treatment protocols, and uncompromised accuracy.  All this so that post-surgical knees or shoulders can efficiently and safely regain flexibility and strength as quickly as possible.

What is unique about the BIODEX® System?

 The BIODEX® allows patients to iso-kinetically test and train with the isolated joints and surrounding musculature in biomechanically correct positions and at speeds that replicate actual function.

 Isokinetic exercise is defined as the resistance to a movement that a patient encounters that is in direct proportion to the effort.

 With isokinetic exercise, a patient does not encounter more resistance than they are capable of applying.  This can be especially advantageous to reduce pain while safely trying to improve the quality of the muscle contraction and function.

 What are some benefits of the BIODEX ?

 According to BIODEX®, some benefits that the BIODEX may offer you as part of your injury recovery plan are:

• Measure all the parameters (including acceleration and deceleration) that define muscle functional performance
• Decrease joint effusion
• Increase range of motion
• Improve healing of the articular cartilage and soft tissues
• Reduce risk of re-injury (especially athletes)
• Offer appropriate strengthening protocols for knees and shoulders
• Safe and effective strengthening after injury or surgery
• Determines readiness to return to sport or job
• Provides your attending therapist with an objective report including comparison of strength to the non-injured side

 What type of problems may be suitable for the BIODEX?

While the BIODEX® can be used in various clinical situations, the most common utilization at Capilano Rehab has been for the following:

• Post Shoulder Surgery
• Post Knee Surgery
• Chronic Rotator Cuff
• Frozen Shoulder
• Chondromalacia Patella Syndrome
• Osteoarthritic Knee Pain
• Industrial Injury Rehab (Gripping, Twisting, etc.)

 And remember.  The BIODEX is typically only one component of your total rehab experience at Capilano.  You will likely have other treatment modalities and exercises included in your individualized rehab program.

What could I do next?

If you have had shoulder or knee surgery, or another related problem, and would like to find out if the BIODEX would be appropriate for you, please call our office at (780) 466-1104 to schedule your physical therapy examination.  Capilano offers Modern Treatments and Old Fashioned Care.

For over a decade, Capilano Rehab Centre has been prescribing and dispensing custom foot orthotics for adults, teens, and athletes.  We have provided comfortable and lightweight orthotics for dress, casual, and a variety of athletic footwear, including soccer cleats and hockey skates. 

How Long Do Orthotics Usually Last?

Ideally, your orthotics should be re-assessed every two to three years.  Not only do feet change over time, but weight changes, heath problems, activity level variation, and simple wear and tear can affect the fit that you are getting from your orthotics.  Simply stated, you may not be getting the same orthotic support as you were at the time of dispensing.

What are some features of Capilano’s orthotics?

Most of Capilano’s Footmaxx orthotics are made from semi-rigid materials and this allows a small amount of flex and movement for your feet and are therefore often tolerated better than hard, rigid appliances.  Here are some other Capilano features:

• Certified Physical Therapist
• No referral needed*
• Custom fit orthotic from a 3-Dimensional digitizing scan or cast
• Quick turnaround time from order to fitting
• No obligation fit check-up(s)
• Additional foot and ankle pain treatment services available on site, including: Physical Therapy, Graston Technique, Kinesio-taping, IMS (Gunn Certified), and Radial Shockwave Therapy.

*(unless your insurance plan requires a doctor’s prescription and/or a gait report)

What Can I Do?

If you feel that your orthotics are doing more harm than good, or want a check on their current status, please call Capilano at 780-466-1104 to arrange your no obligation check-up today.

Here is Some Bad News

But another reason for neck pain is that you have wear and tear on your cervical discs and joints that produces limited and restricted spinal mobility.  With limited mobility, simple pulling, pushing lifting or even just looking up can cause neck pain.

Here is Some Good News

Capilano Rehab Centre offers a state-of-the art Spinal Decompression therapy program for your stiff and sore neck.  Capilano’s Spinal Decompression is an advanced computerized treatment that can safely, gently, and quickly reduce neck pain caused by arthritis, bulging discs and pinched nerves.  And best of all, there are no drugs or needles involved.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

Spinal Decompression works slowly and scientifically to increase the spacing between the vertebrae.  This logarithmic decompression can improve the vertebral spacing and vertebral disc hydration (moisture/nutrition), and consequently, this not only allows your joints to have more flexibility, but it also helps retract the bulging discs off the nerve and back into place.

Why Are My Discs Important?

Your discs are located between your neck vertebrae.  The discs function like hydraulic shock absorbers and also provide a specialized surface for the vertebrae to move on.  Your spine requires this movement for not only movement, but also for disc nutrition and health.

How Do Discs Bulge?

The inside of your disc has a gel structure (nucleus) and an outer cartilaginous border (annulus).  They work together to handle the stresses of moving your neck.   Over time, and with repetitive stresses, the outer border can be weakened and the gel can be squeezed out of position, thereby forcing the outer disc wall to bulge or even herniate.  And this can put pressure onto your nerve roots, causing severe neck pain.

Can Spinal Decompression Help?

A clinical outcome study of 219 patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease showed that 86% of the patients who completed the spinal decompression therapy program reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment.

How Many Treatments Might I Need?

Spinal Decompression system suppliers and the leading researchers advise that neck pain patients should expect between ten to twenty DTS sessions, regularly applied over a six week period.  Your neck discs and joints need this continual attention to heal properly.  Although we cannot guarantee results, we typically follow this approach in order to optimize the best outcomes.

 Is Spinal Decompression Right for Me?

Before any treatment begins, you need to have your neck thoroughly examined to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment.  Capilano’s DTS clinicians are registered Physical Therapists. They conduct a clinical DTS examination before your DTS treatment is started and supervise your ongoing program and recovery.  If appropriate, they may prescribe complimentary exercises and/or other treatment modalities such as therapeutic heat, cold laser, and so forth.  Every patient receives individualized Capilano care.

What Can I Do Next?

Call Capilano at (780)-466-1104 to schedule your exam.  Plan to attend for at least 30 minutes and bring all relevant x-ray and MRI reports.  If Spinal Decompression is not for you, there are other professional Capilano treatment options that may be just what you need to wake up to pain free living.

Proud to support the YOU movement. Physiotherapy gets you moving. Physiotherapy keeps you moving.

Every body is different. Every injury is unique.

Capilano’s licensed physiotherapists will help you understand what’s causing your problem and will develop a customized treatment plan to get you moving and doing the things you love, again and again.

Your Movement Professionals.

Physiotherapy treatment can help you get back to life. As physical function and mobility professionals, Alberta physiotherapists are university trained with advanced skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat your physical symptoms and limited movement caused by pain, injury, or other health conditions. Physical therapists treat your whole body and can show how to avoid future injury.

Some of the common problems treated by physiotherapists are:

*Back Pain   *Rotator Cuff Syndrome   *Whiplash
*Tendonitis   *Hip & Knee Replacements   *Sports Injuries
*Work Injuries   *Surgery & Fracture Rehab    *Foot & Ankle Pain
*Chronic Pain   *Sprains & Strains   *Tennis Elbow

Get Moving.  Keep Moving.

Capilano physiotherapists use a hands-on approach to help you restore, maximize and maintain your movment. Now and for the rest of your life.

Don’t wait for a referral.

Get your individualized, experienced Capilano physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Call 780-466-1104 and visit Capilano Rehab at 5832 Terrace Road, Edmonton when pain or discomfort gets in your way.

Graston Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, arm pain, leg pain, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, knee pain, joint pain, and sport injury.  Listed below are some detailed conditions and the effect of treatment by Graston Technique therapy.

Reducing Adhesions

How can Graston Technique help with numbness & tingling? There are many common sites where soft tissue can have scar tissue-like adhesions from muscle, joint pain, fascia, and ligaments anywhere along the path of a nerve. Releasing this compression or impingement can safely help many cases of numbness and tingling where surgery is not required.  Rehabilitation with Graston Technique addresses acute and chronic pain.  Capilano addresses pain management as a whole and incorporates physical therapy and Graston Technique in order to heal the injury without any use of drugs or medication.  Graston Technique treats the cause of the pain without masking the symptoms with medication.

Our registered physical therapists also use Graston Technique to combat pain located outside the spine.  Physical therapy treatment is used to heal the body as a whole because the body is a system of nerves, bones, muscles, and joints.  Back pain and neck pain are intimately related to nerve pain, joint pain, muscle pain and proper alignment as they all function of co-exist together.

Injury must be looked at multiple levels of the body’s system in order to rehab pain and reestablish proper function.  A combination of conventional Physical Therapy and Graston Technique is vital for achieving this goal.    

Clinical Applications of the Patented GT Instruments

The Graston Technique (GT) tools enhances our physical therapists ability to detect pain, injury,  fascial adhesions and restrictions.  The use of Graston Technique has been shown to achieve positive outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
• Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
• Carpel tunnel syndrome (wrist pain)
• Plantar Fascitis (foot pain)
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow)
• Rotator cuff tendonitis (shoulder pain)
• Petellofemoral disorders (knee pain)
• Achilles tendonitis (ankle pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Scar tissue
• Trigger points
• Shin splints