MYTH #1:

“Physio is not going to help – The X-RAY shows ‘bone-on-bone’”…

FACT:

It has been proven that X-Ray changes alone do not predict the pain or function of a joint.

Many people exhibiting advanced osteoarthritis in their X-Rays are not even aware that they have it, and some people with very minor X-Ray changes experience severe pain in their joints.

MYTH #2:

“… so there is nothing I can do to treat my arthritis!”

FACT:

Yes, there are some non-modifiable risk factors involved in osteoarthritis such as:

• Age
• Heredity
• Sex
• Previous injuries.

However, there are a variety of risk factors that we CAN CHANGE; these include:

• Physical inactivity
• Overuse
• Muscle weakness/imbalances and
• Excess weight

It is never too late to make changes to your lifestyle – sometimes just a small change can lead to a huge difference in arthritis pain and joint function.

MYTH #3:

“Osteoarthritis is a ‘wear and tear’ disease”.

FACT:

Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between the break down and rebuilding of cartilage. As cartilage breaks down, it allows the bones to rub together causing joint pain and dysfunction.

Arthritis can affect any joint that has cartilage around the end of the bones – it most commonly affects the hip, knee, and hand joints.

MYTH #4:

“I should protect my joint by using it less – especially when it hurts”

FACT:

Cartilage naturally breaks down and rebuilds, but in order for it to do this properly it needs the appropriate amount of load. This can be achieved through exercise.

Exercise loads and unloads the joint, which helps move synovial fluid around within the joint and provides nutrients to the cartilage (physiotherapists love science).

However; the appropriate amount of loading and unloading, along with proper movement technique are extremely important during exercise. If movements are performed properly, joint pain from arthritis can be reduced!

Book an appointment with one of our specially trained physical therapists who will teach you various exercises that, when performed as directed, will decrease your arthritis pain.

MYTH #5:

“I can’t exercise – it hurts”!

FACT:

When it comes to osteoarthritis, excessive inactivity is worse than activity. Limiting activity causes:

• Poor joint nutrition
• Muscle weakness
• Joint stiffness
• Increasing weight problems
• Withdrawal from fun activities
• Depression

All of the above can speed up the degeneration process!

The benefits of exercise:

• Reduced joint pain
• Endorphin release so less pain and improved mood
• Improved strength and range of motion therefore better function
• Better quality sleep
• Weight loss
• Improved bone density
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved energy levels

You do not get MORE arthritis by being physically active – being physically active in the right way usually DECREASES THE PAIN associated with osteoarthritis. Exercise can also prolong the life of your joints!

Book an appointment online and one of our physical therapists will get you started with and individualized exercise program!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

At Bonavista Physiotherapy, we can Direct Bill your extended health benefits through Blue Cross, and Green Shield.  If you have: Great West Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Chamber of Commerce, Cowan, Desjardins, Industrial Alliance, Johnson, Maximum Benefit, Johnson Group, Standard Life, First Canadian, or CINUP, we can Electronically Submit your claim to expedite your reimbursement and save you the hassle of submitting yourself.

Thank you for all the great help. I got excellent results and am moving better and my knee is back to normal and I’m still working on my balance , I’ve improved greatly all around. The discomfort in my hip has improved. Thanks again. By the way, this is the fifth post-surgical therapy I’ve had at Bonavista Therapy! Best wishes Reri

I am extremely happy with service @ your clinic …. over many years that I have been coming.   I absolutely do refer you to friends.   Kudos to Rachelle for her latest treatments and good advice.   Thanks, Barbara B.

I just wanted to thank John and Marissa for helping me to recover quickly from my shoulder pain.The pains are gone but I still do my exercises they taught me every day. Should I need more physio I certainly will be back at your place. Thanks once again for your care. I.G

Latest from our online Patient survey:

I have had four years of hip pain, with many visits to Chiro, doctor, physio, etc. and no real relief. Trying the McKenzie method was the last attempt before thinking surgery was the only option. Within a day of being assessed and given exercises from Audrey, I am walking normally again with little to no hip pain at all.
Amazing!

With year end approaching, now might be a good time to come in to get that nagging injury looked at – especially if you still have some benefits left over in your plan. We are able to direct bill with many insurance companies to reduce your out of pocket expenses. November and December can be busy but don’t forget to take care of yourself! Why not come in for a therapeutic or relaxation massage? Don’t delay! We have the expertise to help you.

Our clinical specialist, Audrey Long BScPT, dip MDT, has recently become a running specialist with www.therunningclinic.ca.  She has been a recreational runner for decades.  Her goal is to not let her age stop her from enjoying her morning jogs.  She enjoys helping runners overcome current injuries and /or prevent those recurrent problems that some runners experience.

We want to thank all our great clients, we had a campaign going for the past few months – for every review or referral, we donated $10.00 to the humane society and last week we donated $500.00!  We appreciate all the great feedback and client referrals and so do our furry friends.