Lifemark Sport Medicine (Genesis Place)
800 East Lake Blvd #2 T4A 2K9 Airdrie, AB, Canada

The use of needles to relieve acute or chronic muscle pain is nothing new, but there are different techniques to achieve these pain relief goals. While intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and dry needling are similar, there are some key differences too https://bit.ly/3aaeR5b

Today is #BellLetsTalk day! My name is Kaia and I’m a Physiotherapist. It is an honour to share my story with you today and I do hope that in doing so, you can know that you aren’t alone and there is no shame in asking for help or reaching out. Anxiety and depression have been a part of my story for most of my life (I just hadn’t always been able to identify them). Often when I talk about this part of my story, I tell it from the perspective of being on the other side of it... or as an overcomer. But this year feels different. This has not been an easy season of life. It’s been full of transition, unknowns, loss, etc. - all things that take a toll on one’s mental health. Daily it can be hard to get out of bed and once I finally do that, anxiety sits in the pit of my stomach as I think about the day ahead. All I’ve ever wanted was to be free of these battles in my mind... And yet, I know that within there is a resilience. A strength is built through this invisible illness. For me, some of my bravest moments have been telling my story, admitting I need help, making an appointment with a counsellor, or simply recognizing the moments I need to take care of myself. As a health care provider, I am so often blown away when my clients are open with me about their own struggles and battles. Their strength gives me courage and I have come to realize that this part of my story helps me to understand other’s stories just a little bit better. My hope is that one day we may be able to share our struggles and battles and rather than feel shame, we will feel brave, courageous and resilient. So my friends, if you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Please. See how strong you already are and reaching out is just one more step that demonstrates your incredible courage. And if mental illness is not a part of your story, but maybe you know someone who is struggling... I ask you to simply love them. In whatever way they need. And when you look at them, may you have eyes to see their resilience. Sometimes a victory is getting out of bed. Sometimes a victory is getting through another day. Sometimes a victory is asking for help. Sometimes a victory is finding the right medication. Sometimes a victory is a day where we simply feel good and our mind is clear. Sometimes a victory is a friend reaching out when things feel incredibly dark. Celebrate. All. Victories. And as the shame of mental illness continues to lift... may those victories become far more seen and far more celebrated. My friends, you deserve to be celebrated for how far you’ve come.

Getting active outdoors and enjoying winter is important for our physical and mental well-being, but with COVID-19 numbers rising across the country, it's important to be safe and smart while doing so! From tobogganing to skating, there are plenty of low-risk activities for you and your family to enjoy this winter https://www.cbc.ca//sas/covid-risk-common-winter-1.5854771

It's okay to not be okay. Especially nowadays, it's important to remember that mental health is important and to recognize when you might need help. On this #BellLetsTalk Day, let's listen to those who are having a hard time, including yourself. And if you need help, Lifemark offers Psychotherapy services through our Virtual Care service. https://bit.ly/3t41Anm

Everyone knows that when the weather gets cold, the air gets dry and so does our skin. With all of the hand washing and sanitizing we're doing now, it gets even worse! Keep your hands healthy and moisturized this winter with our list of Do's and Don'ts! https://bit.ly/34VfxJB

If you haven't upgraded your home office setup yet, like getting a laptop stand or desk chair, you're probably feeling the effects of that in your neck, shoulders, legs, and back. Staying home is an important way to help control the spread of COVID-19, but it is definitely having an impact on our bodies. https://www.theatlantic.com//quarantine-giving-you/617672/

Do you have muscle soreness? Not sure if you should apply heat or ice to try and alleviate that pain? We've got you covered! Check out our Heat vs Ice guide to see which method is right for you: https://bit.ly/2LdD2GP

With the start of a new year comes resolutions - it can be hard to stick with these (especially at a time like this), but how can you make it more likely to achieve these goals? To improve your goal successes, make sure they are specific and measurable goals that are realistically attainable and relevant to your lifestyle. For increased motivation, set yourself a deadline! #TuesdayTip

If you work from home all day, it can be easy to get lost in your work and forget to take care of yourself. Be sure to get up and take a stretch break regularly! You'll feel refreshed and relieve the pains and strains of sitting all day long.

Virtual Care appointments can provide thorough, quality treatments for your in the comfort of your own home. Don't just take our word for it - plenty of Lifemark patients have used this service and come away satisfied. Don't put off getting the treatment you need. Book an appointment through Virtual Care and get back on the road to recovery - at home! https://bit.ly/2KmmImU

As the weather gets colder and gyms remain closed, the motivation to workout at home can be difficult to build up. That's where fitness challenges can come in handy, especially if you get the whole family involved! https://www.thestar.com//my-fitness-levels-took-a-dive-und

Have you felt your mood change since the clocks fell back? Does less sunlight make you feel moody, with trouble concentrating? Those with Seasonal Affective Disorder know these feelings well, and increasingly turn to light therapy for help - give it a try! https://bit.ly/36IdoBj

Lifemark is proud to be a sponsor of Canadian Physiotherapy Association/Association canadienne de physiothérapie's first ever CPA Virtual Summit - A New Event for a New World! This Friday and Saturday, physiotherapists and PTAs across Canada will connect online to learn and develop their skills and knowledge. Here's hoping it's a great success! https://physiotherapy.ca/virtual-summit

We continue to remain open for in-person treatment while following our strict SAFER health protocols to keep you safe. Call your local clinic to find out more or visit our website to book online. Learn more about our SAFER approach at: https://bit.ly/2KmKA9Z

Do you have a Virtual Care appointment booked soon? Wondering how to prepare? Don't fret! It's easy. Find a quiet place with good lighting, try to wear headphones, and test your connection and device beforehand to make sure it'll run smoothly. Review any documentation you were given, and keep an open mind! #TuesdayTip #DigitalHealthWeek

Lifemark continues to offer a wide variety of services through Virtual Care, our secure video conference platform that allows you to receive the care you need from the comfort of your own home! You can learn more about Virtual Care, see which services are available, and book an appointment at https://bit.ly/3hThBWg

Are you feeling dizzy? If you're experiencing vertigo, the most common cause is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), coming from your inner ear. To get relief, vestibular rehabilitation is the answer. A Lifemark vestibular therapist can typically correct the issue in just 1-3 treatments! https://bit.ly/3iTfxif #TuesdayTip

Lifemark (64th Avenue)

As summer comes to an end and we face another season of COVID-19 restrictions on fitness centers, many of us are struggling to find the motivation to stay active. Why not try a bit of healthy competition? Virtual racing can help you set running goals, have fun, and earn bragging rights all at once! https://www.thestar.com//runners-find-joy-in-virtual-racin

Today is The Terry Fox Foundation's Virtual Run, celebrating 40 years of the Marathon of Hope! Grab your running shoes, run a few KMs, and honour a Canadian hero. You can learn more about Terry's story at https://terryfox.org/terrys-story/marathon-of-hope/

Did you know that September is #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth? It's a month for learning more about childhood cancer care and celebrating achievements in supporting those fighting childhood cancer. Head to POGO Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario's website to find ways to support and get involved https://www.pogo.ca/get-involved/ccam/

From different corners of the country, clinics across the Lifemark family had a great time celebrating Balance Awareness Week! They know how to keep their balance alongside VeDA's Fiona Flamingo, and they're always ready to help you regain your balance too.

Vestibular rehabilitation is the key to relieving dizziness and balance issues. All across Canada, Lifemark has a trusted team of certified Vestibular Therapists to help you get back to a better life. Abeed, Paula, Heric, and many more are available to provide the help you need. Find a vestibular therapist near you at https://bit.ly/35N5kAu #BalanceAwarenessWeek

Still not sure if vestibular rehabilitation is right for you? Are you skeptical that it can relieve your dizziness and balance symptoms? Mike from Sydney, Nova Scotia, thought it would go away on its own, but decided to see a Lifemark vestibular therapist instead - take his word for it! #BalanceAwarenessWeek

Our team is proud to take part in #BalanceAwarenessWeek! We keep our balance and get help you regain yours too book an appointment at https://www.lifemark.ca/Genesis-Place/

Like many folks who experience dizziness or vertigo, you might turn to the internet to find ways to get relief at home. But is this the best way to manage your vertigo symptoms? https://bit.ly/3kiaV5G #BalanceAwarenessWeek

What do flickering lights, caffeine, weather changes, stress, poor sleep, and hormonal changes all have in common? They're all possible triggers for vestibular migraines. It's not always possible to remove these triggers from your life, so vestibular therapy can help you learn to cope and minimize your symptoms. https://bit.ly/2FFYS2X #TuesdayTip #BalanceAwarenessWeek

Did you know that dizziness or balance issues might be the result of BPPV, the most common cause of vertigo? This #BalanceAwarenessWeek, learn how the inner ear causes this spinning sensation from our National Director of Vestibular Rehabilitation, Sheelah Woodhouse. Learn more and book an appointment at https://bit.ly/3bVqQEd.

Lifemark is pleased to join with Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) to celebrate Balance Awareness Week! Did you know that as many as 35% of adults 40 years or older have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction? Vestibular disorders results when disease or injury affects those parts of the inner ear and brain that control balance and perception of head movement. Visit https://vestibular.org/ to learn more! #BalanceAwarenessWeek #fionaflamingo

Next week is Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)'s annual #BalanceAwarenessWeek, with their first free Virtual Vestibular Conference taking place Sept 14-18! You'll hear from vestibular experts and patients around the world as they discuss the latest information and the vestibular patient experience. Interested? Learn more and register at https://vestibular.org/art//virtual-vestibular-conference/

With the new school year starting amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many school boards across the country will be requiring that students of various Grades wear face masks throughout the day. Are you worried about your kids following these guidelines? Need some help getting them ready? Krista and her daughter are here to show you how to properly wear and handle a face mask!

Sitting hunched over a computer all day can lead to soreness throughout the upper body, including the classic knot in your back. We all know what it feels like, but here's how to get some relief yourself at home https://bit.ly/3jV4DZF

For those who have a tough experience with COVID-19, especially if they're hospitalized, their overall health can take a real hit. While researchers continue to learn just how the virus effects the body, it's clear that rehabilitation is needed to help patients recover and rebuild their physical, cognitive, and mental health. #WorldPTDay World Physiotherapy https://health.sunnybrook.ca/covid/covid-19-rehab-recovery/

It's World Physiotherapy Day! This day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community, particularly during the hardships of the past 6 months. This year is focused on highlighting the role that physiotherapy plays in rehabilitation for recovering COVID-19 patients, as well as the continued care that has been provided via telehealth and Virtual Care!

Happy Labour Day! How are you enjoying the last long weekend of the summer?

School is back, in one form or another, this month. We're usually focused on making sure our kids are ready to go with school supplies or a new backpack, but how do they *feel* about going back? Kids might be worried or scared about heading back to the classroom, so be ready to talk https://www.cbc.ca//how-to-talk-about-back-to-school-plans

For recreational runners, the most common site for pain is the knee, and for older runners, this pain can be a sign of osteoarthritis. But does running actually worsen knee pain? Should you stop if your knee starts to hurt? https://theconversation.com/should-i-stop-running-if-my-kne

The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to close across Canada in late March, but people still needed physiotherapy services, so we worked hard to rapidly expand our Virtual Care services to provide care for patients in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Virtual Care didn't just help patients, it helped McGill University PT and OT students too, allowing them to complete their placements! Maria Milioto of Physiothérapie Universelle writes about our success with Virtual Care and its place in the future of our industry. https://advantagetalentinc.com/physical-therapy-goes-virtu/

Have you ever felt the pain of shin splints? Not sure exactly what a "shin splint" is? Most commonly seen in runners, shin splints can happen to anyone who's intensified or changed their physical activity. Luckily, you can treat it yourself at home https://bit.ly/3bguSXa

Are you hoping to improve your performance as a runner? Have some minor foot pain that needs relieving? Try strengthening your feet with the "short foot exercise". Pull the back end of your toes toward your heel and hold it there, shortening the length of your foot. You'll improve flexibility and strength in your feet, reducing pain and improving support. #TuesdayTip

Throughout the pandemic, and especially this summer, children's sleep habits have changed, typically staying up later and sleeping in longer. With a return to classrooms around the corner, it's time to start adjusting their sleep schedule to old norms https://www.nytimes.com//fami/children-sleep-pandemic.html

Labour Day may be around the corner, but summer isn't officially over yet! There's still time to squeeze in some tennis matches or rounds of golf! These strengthening exercises can improve your performance and help prevent overuse injuries. Try them out and see how your score improves before autumn comes! https://bit.ly/2EnZvOI

While many offices will continue working from home, plenty of workplaces have reopened, expecting staff to come in to work. Masks, cleaning, and distancing are all in place, but your anxiety can still remain, and that's okay - you're not alone https://bit.ly/3gk4FYS

It's hard to believe, but autumn really is only a few weeks away... are you ready? Things are different this year, but this is still a time of year for getting back in the swing of work and school schedules, so make sure you're prepared https://bit.ly/2FLRROl

Has a recent vacation thrown off your sleep schedule? Just in need of a reset? Improve your sleep hygiene to help yourself fall asleep easier! Avoid screens before bed and ensure your room is dark and cool, create some white noise with a fan, stick to a schedule, and try to exercise regularly during the day. #TuesdayTip

Five months into the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have quickly become used to wearing a face mask when we're indoors around others. For some folks, wearing a mask can produce feelings of anxiety, which can manifest itself in physical ways. These feelings are not uncommon, so here are five steps to help reduce that anxiety https://bit.ly/2Yl7HpG

With the new school year right around the corner, it's about that time again to get new shoes for the kids! While they might be more concerned about style, here are four tips for you to make sure they're getting the support they need https://bit.ly/31cYdyy

The new school year is only a few weeks away and most kids will be back in the classroom in one way or another. Are your kids worried about this? You can help them cope with return to school anxiety in this time that's anything but normal https://bit.ly/2EfT9QR

Did the COVID-19 lockdown inspire you to purchase a stationary bike? Looking to invest in one so you can avoid the gym for the foreseeable future? A stationary bike is a great way to get a good workout done at home, but there are some things to keep in mind so you can avoid injuring yourself https://bit.ly/3awygNr

Want to make the most of the summer weather while it's still here? Need some renewed motivation to exercise? Take your workout outdoors! Exercising outside can improve your mood and self-esteem, enhance your connection with mother nature, and is easy to access with very little cost! #TuesdayTip