Have you been sidelined from your sport of choice? Hope to avoid the injuries of ski seasons past?
Health professionals with a special interest in sports will help get you back in the game – and stay there.
“We’re really the movement specialists. We look at how you’re moving, how you’re not moving and how we can get you back to where you should be,” explains Tess Mihell, a physiotherapist working at Lifemark Sports Medicine.
Support for all activity levels
While the Lifemark Sports Medicine team works with high-level athletes, weekend warriors and fitness newcomers all benefit from their expertise.
From competitive sport to a walking program for fitness, “we really have that ‘return to play’ in mind,” Mihell explains. “We’re trying to get people back to a high level of function, whatever that means for them.”
Understanding the ‘athlete mindset’
A key benefit of sports medicine is the understanding of the “athlete mindset.”
“We’re all athletes ourselves in our own sports. We understand the goals and we understand the drive to get back,” says Mihell, who works with local competitive climbers. Others work with a high-performance hockey academy and varsity basketball. “We’re going to work with you to get back to your activity, but in a safe way.”
And while sport injuries often take athletes to the physiotherapist, a sport medicine clinic typically focuses on a multi-pronged approach that can include everything from manual therapy and soft tissue work to acupuncture and vestibular therapy, for conditions such as concussion.
Seasonal strategies
Each season – and each sport – brings its own challenges.
With the start of ski season, pressure from downhill turns and mogul runs, for example, typically bring a variety of knee and hip injuries, Mihell says.
Climbers who head inside for winter training can experience more injuries because they’re often climbing more with less rest between ascents.
Come spring, the pounding of the pavement will be jarring for runners returning outside.
However, believing prevention is the best medicine, physiotherapists can help get you in game shape before launching into a new season or activity.
Those taking a winter break from summer sports can also seek a strength and flexibility program designed to support their sport of choice – and prevent injuries once the snow melts.
“We give patients the tools to get them out of the clinic and back to activity,” Mihell observes.
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Lifemark Health Group provides diversified services across Canada, with more than 20 years of experience providing rehabilitation, medical assessments, seniors wellness and sport medicine programs.
Patients can access physio therapy directly, without a doctor’s referral, though some private insurance providers require it. Direct billing to some providers is also available.
