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The Solushin® is a breakthrough treatment for shin splints, clinically proven and backed by a study published in BMJ Innovations. It delivers immediate pain relief and reduces shin splints recovery time by up to 75 days compared to traditional methods.
Developed by three elite athletes—now a medical doctor, biomedical engineer, and medical product designer—the Solushin® uses patented Counter-Traction Technology™ to release tension in the calf muscle and directly target inflammation. Best of all, it allows users to stay active or relax while treating their injury.
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a common condition causing pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). It’s often the result of repetitive stress on the shin and surrounding tissues, particularly from high-impact activities like running or jumping.
Athletes and runners are more prone to shin splints, but anyone involved in weight-bearing activities can develop this condition. The primary symptom is a dull, aching pain that can progress to sharp discomfort, especially during or after physical activity.
Despite how common shin splints are, innovative treatments have been lacking. Studies show that the average recovery time for shin splints can be up to 110 days. Many sufferers experience prolonged pain and difficulty returning to full training due to the slow recovery process.
Left untreated, shin splints can escalate into more severe issues, such as stress fractures, making early and effective treatment essential for faster recovery.
Elite Athlete turned Doctor’s Determination to Find a Better Solution
Dr. William McNamara, now an orthopaedic surgeon in training, personally dealt with shin splints for eight years. Tired of being told to “just rest,” he realized a better solution was needed.
After narrowly missing the Olympics due to another injury-ridden season, Dr. McNamara teamed up with biomedical engineer and world cup finalist Ben Lindsay and medical product designer Rosa Miller to develop the world’s first medical device specifically designed to:
After years of ineffective solutions in their own careers, the Solushin® team was determined to create a device backed by real science. In partnership with a leading Australian sports medicine centre, they conducted their first clinical trial.
Published in BMJ Innovations, the study showed that Solushin® users returned to full activity 75 days faster on average than with traditional treatments (35 days vs. 110 days). That’s the equivalent of being able to complete 10 extra Parkrun’s without shin pain!
Participants also reported immediate pain relief. In this trial, compression garments were used as the placebo, as they have no proven effect on treating shin splints.
Improving Ankle Range of Motion by 21% in One Hour
After receiving feedback from early users about how great the Solushin® made their calves feel, the team conducted a follow-up study to measure the product’s impact on ankle range of motion (ROM). Improved ROM indicates reduced tension in the calf muscles, a key factor in treating shin splints.
Results showed an average 21% improvement in ankle ROM after just one hour of use.
Compression sleeves are widely used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts for their ability to improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. However, independent studies confirm that they have no significant impact on treating shin splints.
In the Solushin® clinical trial, the control group wore compression garments as a placebo. The clear outcome of the trial highlights the superior effectiveness of Solushin® over compression sleeves in treating shin splints.
The Australian team behind Solushin® is thrilled to partner with The Physio Store, Canada’s leading online shop for braces, supports, and wellness products, to bring this world-first treatment to Canadians.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially serious medical condition that can develop after surgery, especially if certain risk factors are present. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. These clots can be dangerous because they have the potential to break free and travel to the lungs, causing a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. In this blog, we will delve into the risk factors associated with DVT after surgery and explore the various preventive measures and treatments available to reduce the likelihood of this condition.
Before delving into risk factors and prevention, let’s first understand what DVT is and how it develops. Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis, or arms. This condition is often asymptomatic, meaning many individuals do not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing DVT after surgery. These factors can be broadly categorized into patient-related factors and surgery-related factors:
Preventing DVT after surgery is crucial, and healthcare providers employ several strategies to mitigate this risk:
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious condition that can occur after surgery, but it is preventable. Recognizing the risk factors associated with DVT and implementing appropriate preventive measures is crucial to ensure patient safety during the postoperative period. If you are scheduled for surgery, it’s essential to discuss your risk factors and prevention strategies with your healthcare team to minimize the chances of DVT and its potentially life-threatening complications. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and stay vigilant for any symptoms, as early detection and treatment are key to a successful outcome.
Please feel free to direct any inquiries you may have regarding our products and DVT Prevention to our team of professionals. Our team is highly knowledgeable and well-equipped to provide prompt and accurate answers to any questions you may have!
Dealing with lower back pain can be debilitating and affect your daily activities. Back braces are a valuable tool to alleviate discomfort, provide support, and promote proper lower back alignment. In this blog post, we will explore the best back braces offered by the Physio Store, specifically tailored for lower back pain relief. Let’s find the perfect brace to help you regain your mobility and reduce discomfort.
Bauerfeind Sacroloc Back Brace
Choosing the right back brace is crucial for effective pain relief and support. At the Physio Store, we follow a rigorous methodology to determine the best back braces for lower back pain. Our selection process includes the following key factors:
By using this comprehensive approach, we handpick the best back braces available, ensuring that our customers get the relief they deserve.
The DonJoy Exos Form II 627 back support brace (with anterior panel) is an exceptional solution for mild to acute low back pain associated with various conditions, as well as post-operative support. The brace features innovative technologies such as the BOA Fit System and V-STX Material, allowing for a precise and comfortable fit.
The Bauerfeind LordoLoc® Lower Back Brace is a high-end brace suitable for use as a light back support for stabilizing the lumbar spine, especially in cases of chronic lumbar vertebral syndrome. With four integral anatomically contoured flexible lightweight aluminum stays, this brace has a muscle-activating effect, relieves the spine, and is very low-profile.
The DonJoy Actistrap™ Back Support is an elastic lumbar support with strong compressive straps, providing enhanced posture control and helping to alleviate lumbar pain by exerting strong compression. This back support is suitable for acute, subacute, or chronic lower back pain and lumbar sciatica.
The MedSpec Archimed 627 Spinal Brace is a cutting-edge solution that offers superior support and immobilization for individuals requiring spinal stabilization. Featuring a pulley-lace closure system and rigid anterior and posterior panels, this brace ensures optimal compression and support along the spine.
Finding the best back brace for lower back pain can make a significant difference in your comfort and mobility. The Physio Store offers a range of top-quality back braces designed to provide targeted support and relief. Whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic lower back pain, recovering from surgery, or need lumbar stabilization, these back braces can help you regain control of your life and tackle lower back pain with confidence.
Do back braces really work? Yes, back braces can be effective in providing support and relief for certain conditions. They work by stabilizing the spine, reducing movement, and promoting proper alignment. Back braces are commonly used to help manage lower back pain, provide support during recovery from injuries or surgeries, and improve posture. However, it’s essential to use the appropriate type of brace for your specific condition and follow the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Is it OK to wear a back brace all day? Wearing a back brace all day is not recommended unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. Prolonged use of a back brace may lead to weakened muscles and dependence on the brace for support. It’s best to use the brace as directed by your healthcare provider, typically during activities that exacerbate your back pain or when extra support is necessary. Regular exercise and physical therapy should be incorporated to strengthen the back muscles and reduce the need for constant brace usage.
What kind of braces are good for back pain? There are different types of back braces available, each catering to specific conditions and levels of support required. For lower back pain, lumbar support braces with adjustable straps and compression are often recommended. These braces provide targeted support to the lower back area, reducing discomfort and promoting proper alignment.
Do healthcare practitioners including physiotherapists, orthopaedic specialists and chiropractors recommend back braces? Your healthcare practitioner may recommend back braces as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain back conditions. They can be beneficial in providing support during the healing process or for individuals with poor posture.
In conclusion, most healthcare practioners typically advise using back braces in combination with other therapies and modalities. Some such therapies and modalities include manipulation and mobilization techniques, acupuncture, electrotherapy, massage, exercises, stretching, icing and heating to name a few. This all helps to address the root cause of the pain and improve long-term outcomes.
Explore our selection of back braces at the Physio Store and find the perfect solution for your lower back pain today. Subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful tips and product updates.
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How Do I Know Which Compartment to Unload When Choosing An Osteoarthritis Knee Brace? When you have osteoarthritis of the knee, a majority of the time it only effects one part of the knee joint, either the medial compartment or the lateral compartment, and rarely both compartments. Unloader knee braces take the pressure off the part of the knee joint that has the most arthritis to it.
So, when unloading an osteoarthritic knee, you need to know which compartment to unload, medial or lateral. It’s essential to determine which compartment of your knee needs the most relief. Typically, the medial (inner) compartment and the lateral (outer) compartment are the two primary areas of concern in knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can affect both the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) compartments of the knee joint, but the medial compartment is generally more commonly affected (60% of the time). Here’s some information about the distribution of osteoarthritis in the knee compartments:
Here are a few steps to help you identify the correct compartment for unloading with your custom knee brace:
Remember, it’s crucial to involve healthcare professionals in the process to ensure accurate identification of the affected compartment and proper fitting of your osteoarthritis knee brace.
We sell several Osteoarthritis unloader knee braces at the Physio Store. There are several types of unloader knee braces on the market today! Some are over the counter (OTC) and others are customized unloader knee braces. The primary differences between an over-the-counter (OTC) unloader brace and a customized unloader knee brace lie in their design, fit, and level of support.Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Over the counter unloader knee braces offer a more accessible and affordable option for mild support and unloading. A few examples include:
Customized unloader knee braces provide a higher level of personalization, fit, and targeted unloading. These custom braces are best suited for individuals with specific knee conditions that require a more precise and individualized approach to unloading and support. A few examples include:
Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate brace for your needs.
When the Evolution Home Gym was first created, it was done so to give everyone a sustainable exercise option.
Our mission sums it up: to make exercise convenient, inclusive, and accessible regardless of experience, skill, and ability. Since then, we have realized that we can do more than just help those who want to exercise at home. Given its compact and versatile nature, it has since been introduced to the physiotherapy and adaptive exercises spaces.
Today, efficiency is top of mind and for business owners, this means efficiency of cost and efficiency of space. Physiotherapists and other practitioners are not precluded from this. In fact, they are largely affected by this environment of rising operating costs. To respond, some are maximizing the space they have, some are downsizing, and some are shifting to an in-home practice.
As part of a comprehensive service to their clients, they must have exercise equipment. Unfortunately, traditional exercise equipment presents a problem.
Traditional equipment tends to fall into one of two categories:
It is also worth noting that exercise in a rehab setting is much different than in a general exercise setting; how resistance is applied needs to be very specific. Where general exercise is primarily about strength and endurance, rehab is primarily about repair, restoration, and refinement of function, movement, and motor skills; areas where all the minute details matter.
To rehabilitate an injury, physiotherapists often have their clients exercise joints in a very specific position and angle of movement. This is not possible with weights because they only apply resistance in one plane of motion, vertical.
This is why you will often find resistance bands and cable machines in physiotherapy clinics. They are perfect for physiotherapy because of the way they can be used to apply a smooth resistance to any movement and from any angle.
Where resistance bands set themselves apart from cable machines is that they can deliver an elastic resistance which through which it increases and decreases evenly, concentrically and eccentrically. This elastic resistance yields a strength curve similar to human strength curves. The potential of resistance bands are discussed in more detail here.
So, physiotherapists already have viable options when it comes to exercise equipment. What’s the problem?
Let’s dive a little deeper into the issue suggested above: traditional exercise equipment fall into one of two categories.
Category 1: versatile but large, heavy, and expensive.
Cable machines are the perfect example of this. Being able to modify the amount of load (resistance) quickly by moving a pin is an awesome feature. Additionally, the ability to change the height and therefore, the angle of resistance is particularly important in physiotherapy applications for reasons mentioned above. Cable machines are extremely versatile.
However, with the good, comes the bad. Cable machines require a large footprint and weigh hundreds of pounds. They require a dedicated space and should be considered a permanent fixture. This is before you consider the cost. A cable machine can cost $2,500 and require much maintenance.
Not every clinic can accommodate the size, weight, and cost of a cable machine.
Category 2: compact, light, and low-cost but very limited in its function.
On the other end of the spectrum are resistance bands.
Despite all of the glowing advantages of resistance bands (mentioned above), there are disadvantages. Standalone resistance bands have limitations, not the least of which is their need to be tethered to something fixed. This leaves physiotherapists at the mercy of whatever happens to be within the vicinity. We have seen bands tied to table legs, doorknobs, and other equipment. Not only is this impractical, it is also less safe. And, when resistance bands need to be tethered to other objects, the optionality of angles is very limited.
Physiotherapists can benefit from more functionality out of resistance bands.
The Evolution is the best of both worlds. It is versatile while also compact, lightweight, and mobile.
Its sturdy frame and many anchor points give physiotherapists endless options. Not only does it maximize the benefit of resistance bands, the Evolution comes with a bevvy of features simply not achievable by standalone resistance bands (or cable machines for the matter).
“As an Exercise Physiologist I look for ways to effectively train all of our weakest links, and create resistance profiles to optimize results and prevent injury, regardless of your size, shape and ability. The Evolution allows me to do that for every client! I have one in my Fitness Studio and in a few short weeks clients are in love with the applications, ease of set up and unlimited exercise options with the parallel bars, support sling, various tubing resistance levels and resistance strap options.” Denise Beatty – Exercise Physiologist
Embedded in the Evolution is an assistance mechanism which helps clients perform movements like push-ups and squats through a complete range-of-motion. This assistance has many physio applications. A set of parallel bars can also added to the frame. Parallel bars are a fundamental tool in physiotherapy, but are yet another piece of equipment to be considered and present their own challenges. The Evolution takes care of this.
All of this utility in just a fraction of the footprint (and weight) of a cable machine. The Evolution is just 9 square feet.
An important element not talked about enough is what happens once a client is no longer rehabbing at a facility – what does the transition home look like?
Imagine a scenario where they can work with and get comfortable on a piece of equipment that they can also have at home. They would be familiar with the mechanics and the transition would be seamless. Ultimately, this is why the Evolution was designed with simplicity in mind.
To us, simple is not a flaw.
The Evolution Home Gym’s hidden power is within its simplicity.
We don’t believe in bells and whistles just for the sake of having bells and whistles.
The result – you get a product that simply does what it’s supposed to.
Many of us will experience upper back and neck pain throughout our lives. Subtle constant poor postures can lead to myofascial imbalances, headaches and a dull constant pain in our neck and upper back. This is quite common today because of our technology! Let’s talk about some of the strategies we can do to help reduce our pain and better improve our posture. By putting into practice these strategies now, we can help avoid chronic rounded upper backs, rotator cuff issues and headaches down the road.
Let’s talk about some of the strategies we can do to help reduce our pain and improve our posture. By putting these strategies into practice now, we can help avoid chronic rounded upper backs, rotator cuff issues and headaches down the road.
Subtle constant poor postures can lead to myofascial imbalances, headaches and a dull constant pain in our neck and upper back. This is quite common today because we constantly work in a forward posture (working at a computer, looking at our phones). Our head tends to drift forward and our arms are always out front. This can lead to poor upper back posture over time (rounded back, forward head posture and rounded shoulders). These constant poor postures combine to cause pain, headaches and permanent changes to our spinal posture.
A typical posture that stresses our upper back is rounded shoulders and rounding of our upper back (thoracic kyphosis). This leads to the lengthening of the muscles between our shoulder blades. This extended lengthening leads to a lack of control of the shoulder complex in the future.
Additionally, the forward shoulders cause compression to the blood vessels and nerves in the front of the shoulder. It can cause rotator cuff (shoulder muscle) tendonitis and inflammation. It can cause pain between our shoulder blades up to our neck. In extreme cases, this can lead to some numbness and tingling in the hands due to compression of the nerves travelling down from our neck into our arms. It is essential to be mindful of your posture and allow the shoulders to relax and fall back. Often physiotherapists will use tape or a shoulder posture supporters to help patients maintain a better posture when performing activities.
With rounded shoulders, it is also common to have a forward head posture. This has been exacerbated due to the rise of cell phones and laptops. These devices are not designed for optimal ergonomic setups. Forward head postures require hyperextension of the high cervical extensors, with a forward translation of the cervical vertebrae. This leads to the shortening of the muscles in the back of the neck and lengthening muscles in the front. This posture has been associated with headaches starting from the back of the head travelling around to the eyes. Believe it or not, over the longer term this posture has also been related to jaw pain and breathing difficulty.
Ideally you want to have your ears over your shoulder. Take a look and see where your ears are when you are working on your computer or looking at your phone! The more your 20 lb head is forward, the more work your neck muscles have to do, to keep your head from falling forward. Your body was designed to work more efficiently with your spine all lined up and your head sitting over your spine.
These postures have been more prevalent as of late due to work set-ups in our homes. Office ergonomics is a large field of study. Many offices have several employees dedicated to putting ergonomic set-ups into practice. However, at home very few of us keep these set-ups in mind for the home office. Here are some pointers for your home office set-up. Be sure to place your monitor an arms length from your eyes (approximately ~18-24 inches), with the top of the screen at approximately the same height. Ensure your shoulders and chair are facing directly towards the monitor. Relax your arms at your sides with elbows bent to 90 degrees and supported by the arms of the chair. The chair seat should be about level with your kneecap when standing. When seated, your feet should be flat on the floor. The chair should be deep enough that you can fit your hand behind your knees while sitting as far back in the chair as possible.
Exercises that can help prevent changes in these postures include; band pulls that strengthen the muscles between the shoulder blades, pushing your neck back (retractions) and various stretches for the neck, shoulders and upper back. Download these stretches and you can do them daily at your computer. These exercises can help improve your posture and strengthen weakened muscles. A shoulder posture supporter can be used while working to help remind yourself to maintain better posture. A foam roller can be used to help work on extending your upper back. To help reduce the pain, you can use a
TENS unit and put heat over the upper back and neck.
Lumbar Rolls can help align your spine and body. This helps put your lower back in a better position as well as aligning your upper back and neck at the same time. Talk to your health care professional to see if these exercises and modalities are right for you!
As a final note, it is important to remember that there is no perfect posture and the best option is to change postures frequently!
The Physio Store website does not provide specific medical or physiotherapy advice of any kind. All content on The PhysiotherapyRoom website including text, images, video, graphics, documents and other information, provided by The Physio Store Inc. does not constitute medical advice of any kind, and is not intended to be, and should not be, used to diagnose or identify treatment for a medical condition and may not be relied upon by you as medical or health care advice. You are advised to always seek the advice of a physician and/or qualified physiotherapist or other health practitioner in your area BEFORE taking any action, ordering or starting to use any product or exercises from our website.
The Physio Store Inc. is not responsible or liable for any failure to follow the foregoing advice.
What is DeQuervain Syndrome and what can we do about it? DeQuervain Syndrome (Tenosynovitis) is a term used to describe irritation of your abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), or the thumbs up muscles.
DeQuervain Tenosynovitis occurs as these muscles become entrapped in compartments at the base of the thumb. It was once thought the sheath covering these muscles became irritated. However, It is now attributed to myxoid degeneration, which describes fibroids’ development within the tissue and increased growth of vascular tissue. DeQuervain Tenosynovitis is often associated with excess gripping. Examples include lifting babies, golfing, and squeezing with the thumb and fingers.1
Some signs and symptoms to look for if you think you might have DeQuervain Tenosynovitis are thumb sided wrist pain that develops slowly over time2. You may have pain with both wrist and thumb movements, especially repetitive ones such as twisting and gripping.1 You have swelling in the base of the thumb, less movement of the thumb. Soreness can occur where the thumb meets the hand and continue further up the wrist. But the news is not all bad! DeQuervain’s usually resolves well with proper rest and care!1
The first step in care for DeQuervain’s rests, preferably with a splint: this prevents further damage and inflammation.3 Heat or ice can help reduce pain. Either heat or ice can help, and it’s best to go with your personal preference. To build off the splint, activities requiring excess thumb gripping should be limited, such as: handwriting, pinching, and squeezing.
Research reveals that exercises can help! Exercises include basic thumb movements such as extension, flexion, and abduction. These help the APL and EPB glide through their sheath. This will reduce inflammation and bring
blood flow to heal these tissues. These movements should be slow, and only as far as the thumb can move pain-free, they should feel good
(Exercise Set 1)!4 After a few days, you can
progress to tendon slides, which involve flexing the thumb while side bending the wrist towards the pinky finger. (
Exercise Set 2).4 Finally, when you feel ready, you can return to full normal activates as pain dictates
(Exercise Set 3).4
The Physio Store website does not provide specific medical or physiotherapy advice of any kind. All content on The PhysiotherapyRoom website including text, images, video, graphics, documents and other information, provided by The Physio Store Inc. does not constitute medical advice of any kind, and is not intended to be, and should not be, used to diagnose or identify treatment for a medical condition and may not be relied upon by you as medical or health care advice. You are advised to always seek the advice of a physician and/or qualified physiotherapist or other health practitioner in your area BEFORE taking any action, ordering or starting to use any product or exercises from our website.
The Physio Store Inc. is not responsible or liable for any failure to follow the foregoing advice.
1. Satteson E, Tannan SC. De Quervain Tenosynovitis. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 [cited 2021 Feb 2]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442005/ PMID: 28723034
2. Laoopugsin N, Laoopugsin S. The study of work behaviours and risks for occupational overuse syndrome. Hand Surg. World Scientific Publishing Co.; 2012 Jan 1;17(02):205–212.
3. Cavaleri R, Schabrun SM, Te M, Chipchase LS. Hand therapy versus corticosteroid injections in the treatment of de Quervain’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hand Ther. 2016 Jan 1;29(1):3–11.
4. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: A Review of the Rehabilitative Options – Ritu Goel, Joshua M. Abzug, 2015 [Internet]. [cited 2021 Feb 2]. Available from: https://journals-sagepub-com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/doi/full/10.1007/s11552-014-9649-3
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