THE INSTIL PHYSIO BLOG

I am not going to write about the many definitions or clichés associated with jumping off a cliff. There are many websites that do a fabulous job of providing motivational ideas and phrases for people with Multiple Sclerosis. However, yesterday I did jump off a cliff into a quarry filled with beautiful cool water. It took me a little while to summon up the courage to do it. I stared across at all the young divers jumping off with seemingly no concerns for personal safety. My

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Every week I make a batch of quinoa to power up my lunchtime salad. I usually check my emails and text my friends while the 12 minutes passes. I am always hopeful that I am getting wiser as I age, and most days I don't see evidence of that. However, this time I wondered if I could do something that not only fuels my tummy but also helps me stay active. When you get the nod of disapproval from others that perhaps you are doing too much, you really need to plan these things out

My corner of the world deals with Multiple Sclerosis, Autism, and a disabled pug. My pug Buddy, had some significant disabilities. He had a crooked spine, hip arthritis, and drop feet on both sides. He tried every day to get out with me and sprinkle the neighborhood weeds. I had many comments over the last few weeks about how badly he walked, I felt shamed for taking him out. As I tried to politely rebut these comments, I became more and more offended. Why can’t people just

Anyone who has met me will eventually hear about my brother David. He is my older brother, who is kind, loving, and has Autism. I grew up in a time period where the term “retard” was used (which still makes me cringe by the way), so I am sensitive to the use of words and closed minded people. I also have an issue with the word “normal”. Clients would tell me that this is really just a type of hair dryer setting or shampoo; It really isn’t a way to describe people. I always kn

Deciding if its appropriate to seek treatment for discomfort or dysfunction in your body can be tricky. A lot of people are under the impression that they have to have a specific injury to receive treatment. Also, sometimes clinics or clinicians have specialities, so knowing which clinic or therapist is right for you can be confusing! At Instil Physio we accept everyone who is willing to make a change. “You cannot become healthy in the environment you became ill in”,(Dr. Perr

Let’s break down some facts and barriers around MS and exercise. People with MS will experience a variety of symptoms and levels of disability, and may find starting an exercise program too scary or overwhelming. In fact, fewer than 20% of people diagnosed with MS are training to levels of moderate to vigorous activity exercise recommended (Motl, 2014). People with MS (PWMS) also need to think about all the other secondary diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesi

What does acupuncture feel like? Contemporary Acupuncture Practitioners use a pain-free needling technique. Typically, individuals will feel a mild, deep aching sensation but this should not be painful. Occasionally, when the needle is inserted into the motor point of a muscle, the muscle will jump or twitch. Again, this is not painful and indicates that the needle is in a good position. After your first session, your practitioner may pass a small amount of current through th

For those of you who have received Massage Therapy, you can probably relate to having done one or more of the following things while having your treatment: 1) Dozing off or falling asleep, 2) Making small talk or catching up with your therapist, 3) Thinking about the errands you have to run after your appointment, what you will make for dinner that night, or maybe you are thinking holy sh*t! I didn't realize how tense my muscles are. As an RMT and a client of Massage Therapy

I think it’s fair to say we are now aware that incontinence in women postpartum is common (but not normal). However, many are not aware that this problem also occurs in female athletes, who have not been pregnant or had a baby……have I got your attention? That’s right, female athletes are leaking urine too. There are stats reporting that up to 50% of female collegiate athletes leak urine while training/playing sports. You get the idea. We KNOW this is happening. What I do wa

Whether you are in the gym training, seeing your Massage Therapist, seeing your Physiotherapist or “Googling” your symptoms, talk about the fascia seems to be popping up everywhere. That’s right I said “fascia” not “facial”. Although, a facial would be much simpler to explain than what we are about to get into with the fascia. Why has the fascia become such a hot topic in more recent years? What exactly is it and why should it matter to you? Let me begin to explain the f

I’ll admit that when I first committed to learning more about acupuncture, I had my doubts. I partly expected to be learning a theory that, when put into practice, was more complicated and unpredictable than made out to be. I quickly discovered that acupuncture is a truly amazing tool! It is effective, reproducible, consistent and highly SCIENTIFIC! If I was doubtful, you too must have some doubts. In the coming paragraphs, I’m going to explain a bit more about acupuncture: w