torontocentreforsportsmedicine

How a Sports Specialist Can Help You

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Dealing with sports-related injuries means going to a specialist to get back on your feet. Here are some of the ways a sports therapy specialist can assist you:

Offer Unique Treatment Plans – When you see a sports specialist, you can rest assured that you’ll be receiving custom care that is tailored to your needs. We discuss your physical issues and put sports-specific care into place that are made to help determine when you can return to your sport of choice.
Prevent Further Issues – One of the ways a specialist can help you is to put a stop to bad habits that may have contributed to your injuries. Your therapist will talk to you about what led to the injuries and provide you with specific tools and stretching exercises to assist you.
Provide Massage Therapy – Keeping your muscles in good shape starts with massage therapy from a specialist. Massage helps improve blood flow throughout the body and puts a stop to fatigue that could be causing your problems.

Your health is important to Dr. Jack Hakoun and his team at the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited. You can visit us to receive exceptional sports physiotherapy in Toronto , as well as a broad range of additional services.

How Custom Orthotics Help Diabetics

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

As an individual suffering from diabetes, foot care is of the utmost importance. It doesn’t matter if you are in the early stages of the disease or have had diabetes for a long time, custom orthotics maybe the thing you need to avoid serious complications with your foot. Here are some of the reasons orthotics may help you:

Treat Pain – When you are suffering from metatarsal and sesamoid pain, custom orthotics may be right for your needs. Both soft and rigid selections are available, so it’s important to speak with a professional about your issues before an orthotic is made for you.
Reduce Shock – Reducing the amount of shock that you have in your shoe is crucial for people with diabetes. Orthotics can help soften the blow of each step and allow you to still be active without stressing about the issues you may face while walking or running.
Accommodate Existing Issues – Receiving custom orthotics for your feet is important when you have existing issues like tissue loss or amputated toes.

When you are seeking custom orthotics in Toronto , you can trust Dr. Jack Hakoun of the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited to assist you. We have a high success rate and are ready to help with your individual issues.

Benefits to Wearing Custom Orthotics

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

stress the importance of our custom orthotics in Toronto for our patients who are constantly active and suffer from chronic pain. Since your body is interconnected through the kinetic chain, is it vital to ensure your feet are receiving the correct support needed for your feet as your feet are the basis of what holds your body up right. Below we have listed the main benefits associated from wearing custom orthotics.

Since the body has a interrelationship between the connected body parts and limbs, it is important to treat your feet with proper orthotics to ensure further issues along the leg or ankle do not occur. Determining the correct way your feet should land can help correct problems in the hips and knees.
Our custom foot orthotics in Toronto can help reduce chronic pain in the following areas: the back, knee, arches, ankle, and many more locations.

Custom orthotics address conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, and many more.
Helps prevent further deformities of the foot and ankles such as bunions and claw or hammer toes.
Custom orthotics can accommodate for leg length discrepancies.

Our custom orthotics and insoles are a great addition to your shoes for your support and comfort. Contact us today at (844) 519-8539 to learn more about our treatment methods.

4 Benefits of Acupuncture

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMT

At Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine, we believe in the value and importance of acupuncture to help with sports physiotherapy in Toronto. Our physical therapists utilize acupuncture to help reduce both pain and inflammation as an alternative to medication. Below we have listed 4 benefits of acupuncture.

1. Increases endorphins

Acupuncture helps reduce pain and inflammation by releasing endorphins into your body. Endorphins are the neurotransmitters that release positive and happy feelings to the brain during acupuncture.

2. Blood Circulation

Acupuncture enables stimulation in the blood stream to allow proper circulation in the body by improving the path it takes for nutrients and oxygen to get to your cells.

3. Physical Rehabilitation

Our physical therapists use acupuncture as a way to help with sports physiotherapy in Toronto. Acupuncture has been used a treatment to conditions such as sprains, strain, joint pain, back pain, and many more illnesses.

4. Improve Chronic Pain

We utilize acupuncture to help relieve of our patients from chronic pain from conditions such as back pain, frozen shoulder, neck pain and more.

If you are experiencing chronic pain or other conditions, contact the specialists at Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine at (844) 519-8539 to help find a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

What is Sports Medicine?

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMT

sports medicine specialist? Many people have not heard of these specialists and want to learn more. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional athlete or just a regular person who may have injured themselves while exercising, a sports medicine specialist can assist you with your injuries.

When you see a sports medicine doctor, you are a seeing a doctor that has been trained to specifically help issues that affect active people. Not only do they provide services to professionals, these doctors are also available to help people who love to work out, kids who may have hurt themselves while at play, and workers who have to be active all day long, such as construction workers. These doctors focus on a wide array of issues, such as muscle cramps, ACL problems, concussions, and ankle injuries. Not only do they provide you with medicine, they also assist with therapy programs and special accessories to help you be active again, like knee braces and custom orthotics for your feet.

Whether you have specific questions about sports medicine in Toronto or would just like to meet with Dr. Hakoun in person, you can rest assured that you will only receive quality information and excellent care from the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited.

Common Cycling Pain Issues

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMT

It doesn’t matter if you are a competitive cyclist or someone who just loves to ride for fun, there are a myriad of injuries cyclist face. Here are some of the common issues:

Knee Pain – Many cyclists have to deal with knee pain issues. This is perhaps one of the most common injuries and it often has something to do with incorrect foot positioning. Once it starts, it is hard to get rid of the problems. You may need to see a specialist to talk to them about getting special insoles for your biking shoes.

Hand Pain – Do you find yourself having issues with tingling or numbness in your hands after riding your bicycle for long stretches of time? You may have a problem with ulnar neuropathy. This problem may be related to your riding position and could be remedied by wearing a pair of gloves.

Overtraining Syndrome – When you push your body beyond its ability, you are overtraining yourself. It’s vital for anyone who is increasing their training volume to spend some time allowing their body to properly recover. You need to be cautious of your training regimen and see a specialist if you are having trouble getting back on track.

For comprehensive sports therapy in Toronto , Dr. Jack Hakoun and his team at the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited are here to help you. Contact our office today to learn more about our services for cyclists.

Three Reasons to Choose Sports Therapy

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Taking care of your body while being involved in athletic is vital. Here are three reasons why you should choose sports therapy services:

Focused Specialists – When you choose to go to a clinic that specifically offers sports therapy services, you are working with a physician that has spent years learning specifically about athletic injuries. This means that your doctor knows what kind of issues you may be suffering from and can work hard to provide you with care and treatments to help you get back in the game.

Stop Injuries Before They Happen – Because you are seeking a specialist, you are doing what it takes to stop injuries before they occur. A therapist can talk to you about issues that you may be having and assist you with your problems before they result in an injury and time off your sport.

Improve Your Skills – Not only will you be avoiding and treating issues that can lead to injuries, your sports therapist may be able to help you improve your skills. They can speak to you about issues related to mobility and motion of the back, shoulders, knees, and neck, helping you be better while playing your sport of choice than you ever were before.

Are you ready to sign up for sports therapy in Toronto ? The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited provides exceptional services for your needs. Contact us to make an appointment and start sports therapy today.

Common Running Injuries

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Runners have to deal with a wide array of issues. As a runner, you may have to face some of the following issues:

Runner’s Knee – Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, runner’s knee is a common issue that most runners deal with at some point. This problem can arise for many reasons including overuse, overpronation in the feet, knee caps that are too loose or too tight. Uncovering the underlying issues requires an expert in sport medicine. Appropriate muscle strength and balance is always important. Orthotics are often used to help compensate for underlying problems which cannot be remedied with exercise alone.
Plantar Fasciitis – This issue is an inflammation of the tissues at bottom of the foot. It is caused in a variety of ways, such as overuse, wearing the wrong shoes, or just by weak foot muscles. You can treat this issue by investing in orthotics, avoiding walking around without shoes on, and doing proper stretching before you go out to run.

Achilles Tendinitis – Are you feeling pain in your tendon in the morning getting out of bed or while you run? Then you may be dealing with Achilles tendinitis. This problem is usually caused by repetitive tendon use, tight calf muscles, or running too far in your regular routine. This issue is treated with rest, ice, and stretching before you run. Orthotics are often a key factor in getting runners over their Achilles tendonitis.

Whether you are seeking custom orthotics in Toronto or sports therapy, Dr. Jack Hakoun and his team at available to assist you at The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited. Call us at (844) 519-8539 for more info about our services.

Typical Golf Injuries

Fri, 12 May 2017 16:00:00 GMT

It doesn’t matter if you are playing a strenuous sport like football or just out on the golf course – sports injuries can happen anywhere. If you play golf, here are just a handful of the common injuries you could face; back pain, wrist injuries, elbow injuries and hip injuries.

Back Pain – As we age, as many as 85% of people have to deal with back injuries and arthritis. Statistics show that golfers have an increased risk of back problems. Rotational stress, the bent over stance, and repetitive motions are just some of the ways the back can be injured. Lack of conditioning and flexibility is often found in those golfers that sustain injuries.

Wrist Injuries – Repetitive motions, as well as the speed of golf swings, put golfers at risk for wrist injuries. Many golfers have to deal with tendinitis and other painful wrist conditions such as arthritis or golfer’s elbow. It’s important that you keep up with conditioning programs and see a physical therapist to alleviate these issues.

Hip Problems – When you golf, depending on your swing, your hip may have to withstand significant torsion and strain. If you are not controlling these twists and turns properly, you could face injuries that could lead to hip and back pain and lost time from your golf season. Making sure you have adequate flexibility around the low back and hip as well as proper technique is vital to prevent such injuries.

Injuries often result from overuse such as going to the driving range before the full season starts. Going to the driving range will cause a golfer to swing many more times than during a regular round of golf. Unfortunately, golfers often go to the driving range before they have conditioned themselves for the season. Optimally, golfers should maintain a year round conditioning program for golf. If this is not possible, they should start at least 6 weeks prior to picking up a golf club. Exercises and stretches that match their underlying condition and abilities should be prescribed and supervised by an experiences physiotherapist.

Are looking for a specialist to help you with your golf injuries or help you achieve optimal conditioning for the golf season? The team at The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited is here for you. Call us today at (844) 519-8539 to make an appointment for sports therapy in Toronto today!

Why Runners Prefer Custom Orthotics

Mon, 01 May 2017 16:00:00 GMT

As a runner, it’s vital that you take care of your feet. Custom orthotics are just one of the ways you can improve your running. Here are a handful of the reasons runners chose to run with custom orthotics:

Orthotics are Meant to Work with Your Shoes –Running shoes have come a long way with respect to technology to provide a light supportive yet cushioned interface between your feet and the running surface. Despite these advances, running shoes cannot do the entire job on their own. A good pair of running shoes works best with a custom made orthotic.

Orthotics can help treat or prevent many conditions including heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, runners knee, hip and back pain. No wonder they are so popular with runners. Runners do not like to be off their running program. Orthotics keep them in the race injury and pain free.

Better Than Over the Counter Selections – Over the counter orthotics are average estimates which do not address your specific needs with respect to orthotics and in some cases may cause strains or injuries. Have you ever purchased an over the counter orthotic insert? Most of these orthotics cannot maintain their structure with hand pressure meaning they will certainly not support your feet with your body weight applied to them. Having custom orthotics means that you’ll have inserts that have been shaped and constructed for your running needs and body weight. We provide custom assessments and have a very high success rate.

Are you a runner looking for custom orthotics in Toronto ? You can rest assured that The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited can assist you!

Why You Should Choose Custom Orthotics

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

As an active individual, there are a variety of biomechanical issues in the feet and lower extremities that can stop you from getting out and enjoying yourself and keeping fit. These problems can even give you knee, hip, and back pain! Instead of suffering, you should investigate whether custom orthotics from The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited will help your condition. When you choose our orthotics in Toronto , you’ll receive the following benefits:

The Right Orthotics – When you purchase off-the-shelf orthotics, you may not be getting the right option for your foot. Also, the counter orthotics are not covered by your private health plan. When you come to us, we will take your history into consideration and do a full physical exam before prescribing and dispensing your orthotic. Custom made orthotics are covered by most extended health plans.

Make Observations and measurements– Our team will be able to speak with you about your problems and make the necessary adjustments using the latest technology. If your orthotics are not performing as they should, we are proud to offer a money-back guarantee.

An Experienced Doctor – Dr. Jack Hakoun has had more than 33 years of experience working with orthotics. This means he is experienced in biomechanical assessments, performing laser 3D scans, foam casts, force plate analysis and analyzing your running technique when applicable.

Are you ready to solve your foot, knee hip or back problems with a custom orthotic? Contact The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited and discover more information about our orthotic services.

The Right Knee Brace for Your Needs

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

When you are dealing with a knee problem, whether due to a knee ligament tear, arthritis of the knee or instability, it can be hard to decide on the right knee brace for your specific problem. Fortunately for you, the team at The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited is here to assist you. We have over 32 years of experience fitting knee braces. Take a look at some of the selections we have available:

ACL and PCL Tear Braces – Get back in the game and pivot with confidence with one of these great custom braces. We can provide you with a custom brace from a variety of brands in custom colors.

Arthritis Unloading Knee Braces – Osteoarthritis occurs in at least 50% people over the age of 50, as well as highly in active individuals with a history of a significant knee injury. We offer knee braces for arthritis with selections that can cover a wide array of needs, such as combination arthritis and ACL or PCL derotation braces, which are covered by extended health benefits.

Off-the-Shelf Options – If you are not covered for custom knee braces, do not worry! We offer off-the-shelf selections for knee ligament tears and osteoarthritis for a price that will fit your budget.

Take the stress out of deciding on which knee brace is best for you and come to The Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine & Preventative Health Limited when you are seeking a custom knee brace in Toronto . We are standing by to assist you today.

What to Expect When Recovering From an ACL Injury

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Few sports injuries are more frustrating to deal with than an ACL tear. It’s the bane of athletes worldwide, and one of the most difficult injuries to recover from. Whether or not you elect to have surgery, an ACL injury is likely to sideline you for the season, something that no athlete likes to hear. However, you need to make sure that you go through the recovery process correctly, or you could end up turning a season-ending injury into a career-ending one. If you’ve recently injured your ACL, here are some things that you’ll likely experience in the coming weeks and months.

Knee Braces

One of the first things you should do after an ACL injury is to visit a Toronto sports medicine clinic to plan out your recovery strategy. One of the things you’ll likely get is a knee brace that is specifically tailored to those who are suffering from ACL injuries. The knee brace will take the stress off of your knee joint, allowing you to move around without worrying about aggravating the injury. If you have surgery, you’ll need a knee brace during the recovery process, as your knee heals and builds back up again.

Physical Therapy

You’ll likely be doing a lot of physical therapy in the months following your ACL injury. If you have surgery, you’ll actually be getting a set of “prehab” exercises that you will have to do before the surgery, to help you in the post-surgical recovery process. After the surgery, you’ll be going through a series of exercises that will gradually build your knee back up and strengthen the muscles around your knee. Without proper guidance patients either overly avoid exercise or overdo exercise. Both of these scenarios can cause short and long term problems. You need accurate professional advice and supervision by your sports medicine doctor and physical therapist (could link two previous terms) available at a (Toronto sports medicine clinic) -convert to link to make sure that you’re doing the right exercises and at the right intensity to help but not hurt your knee.

Tips for Relieving Foot Pain While Running

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re an avid runner who’s been running for years or you’re a newbie looking to make good on your New Year’s resolution, sooner or later you’re probably going to experience some form of foot pain while running. Whether it’s your ankle bothering you, knee pain, or the dreaded heel pain, most runners will have to combat some form of foot or knee pain at some point in their running lives.

While some pains can become so chronic that you might feel like you have no choice but to live with it, the truth is that foot pain can be lessened and even eliminated with a few simple changes. If you’ve been dealing with foot pain, here are some tips for helping you get rid of it.

Custom Orthotics

One of the first things you should do if you’re experiencing foot pain is to look into orthotics in Toronto . Often foot pain is caused by running with insufficient support in your shoes or abnormal lower extremity biomechanics or abnormal running terrain. Whether it’s because you’re running with old, worn-out shoes, you have a low arch, or you’ve been running on hard surfaces, your shoes might not be giving you the support you need to thrive as a runner and avoid or recover from injury. When this happens, you need to look into getting some custom orthotic insoles. They will be tailored to your feet and your running style, and they will give you the support you need to run without pain.

Pace Yourself

One of the most damaging things that new runners will tend to do is to push themselves too hard right out of the gate. Whether you’re just getting started with running or you’re getting back into a routine after a long break, you need to make sure to pace yourself to prevent injury. Start out with some short, leisurely runs or start a walk run program where you alternate short run time of even a minute or so with longer walk times such as 3-5 minutes. You can repeat these cycles for a total exercise time of 20-30 minutes. This can be repeated daily if your exercise time is under 30 minutes. Alternate day work outs will also work and are even more gentle on your body. You would then gradually add to your run times by adding 30 seconds of running every 3 to 5 minutes every other work out as you become more accustomed to it. You will eventually be running 30 minutes straight without difficulty. If at any time you experience pain take a day or two off and go back to the previous work out level that was pain free. If you can no longer accomplish this, then it is time to consult with a sports medicine specialist in Toronto .

Total Joint Replacement: When Should You Consider It?

Fri, 27 Jan 2017 16:00:00 GMT

A total joint replacement is an artificial system that replaces a certain part of the body that no longer functions or gives too much pain to the individual when used. The most common joint replacement systems are for the hip and the knee as these obtain some of the most wear and tear throughout an individual’s lifespan. This system is considered a prosthetic and is made out of two parts known as the fossa and condyle. These parts act as a ball and socket, which makes up the entire structure. It is mainly used as a way for an individual to retain or get back total function of a joint which has been worn down.

When and Why You Would Want One

An individual should consider a total joint replacement if they have a condition that has completely degenerated their joints. For instance, diseases such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, or traumas that have resulted in significant destruction of a joint, hip fractures, developmental abnormalities, will often cause an individual to seek a joint replacement. Keep in mind that a joint replacement requires adequate therapy before and after the surgery to obtain optimal results. When considering which option fits you best, it is wise to contact a professional in sports medicine in Toronto or in your local area and set up an appointment to get a better assessment with respect to your preoperative and postoperative physical rehabilitation.

The recovery time for a total joint replacement varies among individuals; however full daily activity is usually resumed in and around the four to six week mark. However, it can take several months to get used to the new joint as there are side effects such as swelling, tingling and sometimes paralysis during the recovery time. If you are still working, the time required off work will vary anywhere between 4 and 10 weeks or longer depending on how physically demanding your job is. Appropriate rehabilitation before and after your surgery will minimize your down time. Once work is resumed it may need to resumed by a gradual transition.

It is common in sports medicine in Toronto, for individuals to get total joint replacements only when it is the last option available. There are many avenues of treatment prior to reaching this point in the breakdown of a joint including the use of oral supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, joint injections such as Hyaluronic Acid, and cortisone. Participating in appropriate physical rehabilitation is also important. These measures help reduce pain and maintain function, activity and health.

How Athletes Can Benefit From Aquatic Therapy

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Aquatic therapy, otherwise known as water therapy or aquatic rehabilitation, focuses on providing physical treatment for those of all ages and fitness levels. It looks at helping individuals who need to improve their coordination or balance, build up their muscles and endurance, enhance aerobic capacity, improve flexibility and reduce stress. It is a physical medicine that works well with athletes as it can be tailored to each individual based on previous injuries or specific requirements. One would obtain aquatic therapy from a trained professional. You can find a trained professional at either a hospital, a clinic like the sports medicine clinic in Toronto , or from a rehabilitation centre.

The Benefits of Water Therapy

The largest benefit that water therapy provides individuals such as athletes is that those who are recovering from injury, who cannot practice rehabilitation on physical land, can do so in the water. The reason for this is because water provides compression to injured muscles and reduces gravity’s pull on the body due to the principal of buoyancy. Water also exactly matches the resistance an injured muscle can generate ensuring that an injured muscle is never overused yet providing maximal exercise potential for healing. Other advantages that athletes would specifically benefit from include:

Respiratory muscles must work harder in water which naturally strengthens them throughout the therapy session and afterwards.
The resistance of the water can be used to strengthen muscles and increase the progression of rehabilitation.
Pain will be reduced as the individual will always be supported in the water. This in turn also reduces any fear that the individual may have after a serious injury.

Other benefits that would help all fitness levels and athletes of all kinds:

Increased joint flexibility as the reduction in gravity allows for a higher range of motion.
Increased blood supply to all areas including muscles, which reduces pain and speeds up the healing process.
Balance and muscle strength will be improved due to the water’s natural resistance.

Finally, there are many benefits that come from the hydrostatic pressure of water. Not only do the heart and lungs work harder but the pressure of the water will act has a compression tool, relieving chronic aches and pains that one might have. Plus, due to the pressure your circulation will improve which can benefit the entire body as oxygen rich blood will be able to reach all areas. If you are an athlete or an individual who has been injured in the past and is having a difficult time with recovery, definitely get in touch with a clinic like our sports medicine clinic in Toronto and see if aquatic therapy would work for you.

Welcome to the Toronto Centre for Sport Medicine & Preventative Health Limited Blog

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Your search for dependable sports medicine and physiotherapy services starts with the Toronto Centre for Sport Medicine & Preventative Health Limited. From aquatic therapy and knee braces to total joint replacement, our staff is dedicated to providing exceptional patient services, working on issues related to sports injuries, arthritis, neck pain, and back pain.

Our team’s goal is to maximize functioning for all of our patients. We can accomplish this by working hard to be one of the best sports medicine and rehab clinics in the community. We were started by Dr. Jack Hakoun, a professional who has more than 32 years of experience providing sports medicine services in Toronto, as well as places like Israel. The difference between Dr. Hakoun and other sports medicine specialists is that he addresses both the physical and emotional issues that may affect an individual and their condition.

Are you ready to meet with our doctors and start healing? Our sports medicine clinic in Toronto provides services that are covered by OHIP. We provide custom services, working hard to repair your injuries and help you get back to what you love most – playing sports. Call us at (844) 519-8539 for more information about our services or make an appointment.

Treatment for Arthritis of the Knee in Toronto

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Arthritis of the knee is a very common condition and on of the most common causes of pain and disability around the world. Arthritis of the knee when not further specified, usually implies osteoarthritis rather than rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions. Over the years many ideas with respect to arthritis of the knee have become accepted among the general public and even doctors. The general thinking is that arthritis of the knee is a normal process of aging and also due to excessive body weight. More importantly many people think that there is not much that can be done with respect to arthritis of the knee until the knee become so dysfunctional or painful that a total knee replacement is necessary.

This line of thinking cannot be further from the truth. There are two main problems with this very common approach. The first problem is that people are unnecessarily dealing with pain and disability. The second problem is that people tend to become less active because of their pain leading to a worsening of their arthritic condition and a general decline in fitness and health.

There are many non surgical and non drug treatments available for arthritis of the knee which can eliminate pain and increase function as well as prolong the life of the arthritic knee. The effective treatments for arthritis of the knee include comprehensive physiotherapy, custom made orthotics and insoles, glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, hyaluronic acid injections and osteoarthritis unloading knee braces.

Not all knees are the same and not all treatments will work for each knee. A detailed assessment of each patient is required to put together a plan of approach that will be successful. At the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine, Dr. Jack Hakoun has been treating arthritis of the knee for 32 years and has incorporated all of the latest effective approaches to osteoarthritis of the knee. It is not uncommon for people to come into the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine believing that they need a knee replacement and leave on the same day with an improved ability to walk and with much less pain. These people can often delay knee surgery for years or never have the need for surgery. Their pain is significantly reduced or eliminated and their functional activity and strength are improved. Less pain, improved function and improved health without surgery.

Othotic and custom insole issues

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Orthotics or custom made insoles can be used to treat many condition and can be quite useful if properly prescribed. There are many practitioners and many facilities which provide custom made orthotics. A knowledgeable practitioner and comprehensive history and physical examination is key to the appropriate prescribing of orthotics. A full examination extending from the feet to the spine is necessary as orthotic can change the alignment of the lower extremities and spine. A sports medicine physician should have the knowledge and skill to perform such an examination. Patients with abnormalities of the knees hips or back may respond adversely to orthotics. A full assessment will determine whether orthotics may potentially cause issues. One common area of concern is the prescription of orthotics with a lift on one side to correct a difference in leg lengths. Often times we see patients with heel lifts that in fact do not have a leg length difference but rather a rotation in their pelvis. This is not an uncommon occurrence. Make sure your practitioner performs a full assessment of your biomechanics for best results with orthotics. If a leg length discrepancy is “discovered” make sure it is confirmed by several methods of measurement which a qualified practitioner should be able to perform. As a rule we never prescribe a leg length correction or heel lift for custom made orthotics unless we have confirmed the discrepancy with several different measurements and on different occasions.

Who is an Athlete?

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMT

While everyone seems to be watching the Olympic athletes compete, some of us may think just how far from being an athlete we are. This could not be further from the truth. Although the Olympics and professional sports competitions get a lot of publicity the underlying notion in sports medicine is that an athlete is someone to tries their best. If you take money out of the picture, that is what is left and what constitutes the root of the athlete. Winning is only part of it. To many athletes, winning is performing at their personal best. We are not all created equal from the physical standpoint and therefore competition is already skewed. Competing against yourself to push your personal best to the next level is the ultimate competition and the source of the ultimate reward.

At the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine we applaud all of our past current and future patients for their efforts in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by including physical activity in their lives.

At the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine, all of our patients are athletes.

Sports Medicine to the Rescue

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Discovering the connection between a computer monitor and painful running occurred recently when a 33 year old accountant came in with a few month history of pain in the chest within running a few minutes. Despite taking a few weeks off to rest, the symptoms did not improve. Investigations carried out before being assessed at our centre included chest x-ray spinal x-ray and a cardiac stress test. All of the investigations were negative. With a proper sports medicine assessment it was evident that this accountant, like many others, uses two monitors and is constantly rotated to one side through the thoracic spine when working. After a few years of this type of positioning, the spine fixes itself in the same rotated pattern. With running there is a symmetrical rotation required through the spine. With the spine pre-rotated in one direction, the normal rotation during running is inhibited. This in turn causes a strain in the spine and its connection to the corresponding rib. This strain produces pain along the course of the affected rib causing chest pain with running. The treatment: appropriate physiotherapy including a review of office ergonomics, suggestions for improvement and reduction of the spinal rotation with exercises to maintain proper posture and spinal alignment.

When Physiotherapy is Not Helping

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

We see patients who have been referred to us for lack of progression with their physiotherapy program performed elsewhere. Generally you should notice an improvement in your condition over any two-week period. No improvement over two weeks indicates that there may be something wrong with your program. Here is a checklist we use to determine why you may not have seen improvement in your condition with your current physical rehabilitation program.

Did the you have a specific diagnosis? Who made the diagnosis, a sports medicine doctor or physical therapist? Was your diagnosis based on any special tests such as x-rays ultrasound or MRI?

How often did you attend therapy and for how long? Did you perform the required exercises appropriately and with the prescribed frequency?

Does your program include hands on treatment and exercises or only passive modalities such as ultrasound, interferential current, laser and some exercises? Were you treated by a registered therapist or a physiotherapy assistant?

Did you refrain from activities that aggravate your condition?

Without a diagnosis only symptoms are being treated. By not performing the prescribed exercises you most likely will not progress. If you do not have a comprehensive physiotherapy program including hands on treatment your treatment may be lacking essential components. By participating in aggravating activities you are setting back your recovery.

If your physiotherapy program has not resulted in an improvement of your condition a review of these factors and your condition is recommended.

Getting Down to the Root Cause

Fri, 15 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder why many medical organizations and associations use the symbol of a snake on a staff for their logo? If you check the Bible in Numbers 21-9 you will see that G-d told Moses to make a fiery serpent and put in on a pole to heal those who had been bitten by snakes in the desert sent to punish them for complaining of their situation. They would be healed by looking at the snake. These individuals were bitten because they acted in an evil way by complaining about their condition in the desert. Evil speech is often associated with the snake. Why would a copper snake heal the condition associated with it?

Well the lesson here is that when you are sick or injured you have to connect with root cause to completely heal from the condition and prevent recurrences. Getting to the root cause of sports medicine problems is essential for physiotherapy and other treatment interventions such as custom foot orthotics and custom made or over the counter braces to work effectively.

At the Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine, we are often assessing patients who have not responded to programs of physical rehabilitation or who have received orthotics or braces at other facilities . The most common reason for lack of response is that the underlying cause was not dealt with initially. Many people come to us without a diagnosis despite having had extensive treatment and interventions.

The story of the snake on the pole and the use of this symbol by many medical organizations reminds us to always search for the underlying cause as the best approach to treating an illness.

Treat the patient not the MRI

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

While teaching a medical student today I had the opportunity to demonstrate how one should never treat findings noted on investigations such as radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound or MRI unless they correspond with the patient’s history and clinical findings.

A patient referred for a meniscal tear of the knee confirmed by MRI with the request to help manage their knee pain until the surgeon could see her in 5 months. As required we took a detailed history and performed a comprehensive physical exam. The patient had significant tightness of the soft tissues around the knee cap causing restricted knee flexion range which could mimic a meniscal tear. Standard tests for meniscal tearing were negative. After performing some techniques used by physiotherapists to release the tight knee cap the patient had much less pain with walking and could flex the knee to a greater extend and with less pain. This patient benefited greatly from a sports medicine consultation and has been directed to have physiotherapy for the knee. I suggested that the surgeon’s appointment be kept for now but most likely will not be needed.

The patient was very happy and the medical student learned a great lesson.

Your path to recovery with sports medicine

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Sports medicine embodies the concept of optimizing your function no matter what level of functioning you are at currently. This is accomplished by identifying and dealing with the underlying cause of your problem. The next step is setting up the appropriate building blocks to provide you with the strength and flexibility of mind and body to achieve full recovery and prevent recurrences. Tapping into your own body’s resources for healing and improvement is the general guide for treatment provided by various professionals including sports medicine doctors, physiotherapists and massage therapists.