Easing Your Neck and Shoulder Tension

The neck and shoulders are often the victims of stress and pain.  Although there are multiple potential causes of neck and shoulder pain, symptoms are frequently the result of structural stress caused by our day-to-day activities. For instance, activities such as holding a phone between your shoulder and ear, doing repetitive overhead work (e.g. painting or lifting boxes), and typing at a keyboard that is too high can all cause muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Additionally, sitting and standing in a poor posture with the head and shoulders forward and upper back slouched causes strain and tension in the muscles. Anxiety and chronic stress can also contribute to this problem as it can cause the body to adopt a self-protection posture with the shoulders raised, jaw clenched and neck jutting forward.

There are things you can do to decrease tension in your neck and shoulders:

1) Maintain good posture throughout the day. You can check out our previous post here for more information.

2) Drink plenty of water. Water is necessary for proper muscle and joint function. Try to drink at least 8, 8oz glasses of water a day.

3) See a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist can assess your neck and shoulders to determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to address any issues.

4) Stretch. Check out our newest video for an easy shoulder and neck yoga sequence that will help to decrease tension and stress.

 

Don’t Get Trapped in the Boom-Bust Cycle

Do you have a persistent injury that just does not seem to go away? Do you get better for a while but are plagued with set backs? Do you ever feel  like you are never 100% recovered from your injury? If so, you might be trapped in the boom-bust cycle.

Chronic injuries are undoubtably very frustrating and rehabilitation can feel painstakingly slow.  People with persistent injuries tend to ‘overdo’ an activity which causes a ‘pain flare’ and results in a set back.  This process is known as the boom-bust cycle.

Boom-Bust Cycle

So, what is the solution? How can you prevent this boom-bust cycle? Here is some advice:

We hope this advice will help you avoid the boom-bust cycle and lead you on the path to recovery.

For more information about Kinetic Physiotherapy, visit our website: http://www.kineticphysiotherapy.ca  Contact Kinetic Physiotherapy via e-mail: info@kineticphysiotherapy.ca or phone: 905-637-1414 to set up an appointment.

Successful New Year Resolutions

• It is hard to believe that 2014 is already here. With a new year just beginning, many people are thinking about self-improvement and the term “New Year Resolution” has been a popular topic of conversation. Everyone has high hopes of… getting  fit, losing weight, eating better, spending more time with family etc. Although motivation  is high right now, enthusiasm tends to dwindle as the month and year continues. The question is, how do we stay motivated to successfully accomplish our New Year’s Resolutions?  One way to succeed is by creating SMART goals. We use these types of goals in the physiotherapy setting to help people succeed in rehabilitation. However, the same principles can be applied to any goal you have and can help you succeed with your New Year resolution.

A “SMART” goal is:

Specific: Goals should be simplistically written and clearly state exactly what you want to achieve (who, what, where, when, which, why, how). You are more likely to accomplish a specific goal than a general one.
Example of a general goal: Get fit.
Example of a specific goal: Join a gym and work out 3 days a week.

Measurable: Goals should be measurable so that you can evaluate when the goal has been met. To determine if your goal is measurable ask questions such as: how much, how many and how will I know when it is accomplished?
Example of a non measurable goal: Get healthy.
Example of a measurable goal: Become more healthy as measured by lowering my blood pressure to a healthy range (120/80 mmHg).

Achievable: Goals should challenge you but be achievable. This requires you to reflect on the strengths, weaknesses and resources that you possess that will enable you to reach your goal.

Realistic: Goals must represent an objective that you are both able and willing to work towards.

Time-Bound: Goals should be grounded within a time frame. This will provide a sense of urgency to help you start working towards your goal.
Example of a goal that is not time-bound: Learn something new.
Example of a time-bound goal: Take a cake decorating class within the next 3 months.

Reflect on your New Year Resolutions. Are they SMART? If not, revise them so that they are. Write your goals down and tell someone to help keep you accountable. We wish you all the best in this New Year and hope these principles will help you succeed with all of your New Year Resolutions.