A Family Cruise to the Bahamas!
By Ami Patel, Physiotherapist at our newest SOS Location, Leading Edge
For the last two years our family was planning for a nice cruise experience and this year we got lucky to be sailing the Atlantic Ocean in the sun-country of the Bahamas! We were really excited for the seven day long trip and had done tons of shopping and preparations to make the most of it. This was going to be our first cruise experience and we wanted to live it to the fullest.
Our family cruise to the Bahamas, having the vibrant islands of CocoCay and Nassau was a sun-drenched, fun filled adventure trip that will forever be in our memories. From the moment we stepped aboard the massive cruise ship “Odyssey of the Seas”- we were amazed with the delights of it just like a floating city. Our first stop, CocoCay Royal Caribbean’s private island, was breathtaking. The turquoise waters under the bright sun were super refreshing.
The kids were instantly attracted to the Thrill Waterpool “Oasis of Lagoon.” They had so much fun playing with water and water rides. Their squeals of delight are still echoing in my head. Meanwhile we were attracted to the peaceful lounge of colorful umbrellas sipping tropical cocktails and soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The powdery white sand soft beneath our feet was mesmerizing and we also had an opportunity to see hermit crabs which delighted us. We realized that being with nature is so healing. The island’s vibe was pure joy, a perfect blend of fun-filled activities and relaxation.
We then sailed to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. The bustling city with vibrant monuments and modern attractions, offered a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture. We explored the historic forts and also took a tour of Atlantis resort. It was an enriching experience. We then visited the vibrant local market. It was a treasure of handcrafted souvenirs and local crafts.
The cruise itself was an adventure on its own. The ship’s amenities were endless, from dazzling nightly shows to the diverse dining options even for us with vegetarian diet needs. The kids enjoyed the numerous arcade and the numerous pools while the adults enjoyed the live music and the opportunity to enjoy the ship’s spa. Each morning and evening we gathered on the deck watching the sun rise and sun set spreading shades of orange pink and purple in the sky.
The warmth of the Bahamian people, the stunning natural beauty, and the sheer joy of spending quality time together created a vacation that exceeded our expectations. This cruise wasn’t just a trip; it was a collection of cherished moments and the unwavering bond of the family.
How To Fix Improper Posture for
Back and Neck Pain Relief
“Stand up straight!” has been a refrain from parents throughout the ages, but is it really that important? Actually — yes, it is!
Many people assume maintaining proper posture is about appearance: looking tall and confident. In reality, improper posture can cause pain in your neck and upper back and put pressure on your spine, leading to an increased injury risk.
But what exactly is proper posture? It probably won’t surprise you to learn that it’s more complicated than merely standing up straight. Instead, it’s more about finding the right spinal alignment for your body – and that’s something the physiotherapists at SOS Physiotherapy can help you with!
If you’re struggling with persistent neck or back pain, it may be time to visit us for a postural assessment. We’ll help pinpoint any impairments or imbalances in your spine that might be causing problems and then provide strategies for maintaining your postural alignment throughout the day.
Call us to schedule an appointment for your initial consultation!
Understanding Proper Posture: Movement and Awareness is Key
Let’s get this out of the way first: There’s no universal “ideal posture” that will work for everyone. Even common advice like “stand up straight” isn’t particularly helpful: for one, no one’s spine is ever perfectly straight since it has a natural curve pattern. For another, you don’t spend your entire life standing still.
Rather than aiming for a non-existent “perfect” posture, you want to focus on two things:
• Postural Awareness: People don’t set out to have bad posture. You might start the day telling yourself you’re not going to slouch – but then, as you get busy with other tasks, posture becomes the last thing on your mind. By staying more aware of your posture, you can more easily adapt to the various positions you have to hold throughout the day.
• Avoid Prolonged Postures: Your body wants to move. Holding the same posture for extended periods (even if you’re sitting up straight and have everything in alignment) is still going to cause problems! Rather than aiming for a “perfect” posture, make sure to change your positions throughout the day. Alternate between sitting and standing. Switch positions. Get up and move around. In short – try to stay as active as possible.
The Relationship Between Posture and Pain
Neck and back pain have several potential causes and contributing factors. Improper posture is often one of them.
When you lose your postural awareness and start to slouch, it puts extra strain on the muscles that support your spine, particularly the muscles in your neck and upper back. This can lead to overuse injuries that cause pain or restricted mobility.
Remaining in prolonged postures (particularly sitting) also puts extra strain on your back muscles. When you get up and move around – even if it’s just for a few minutes – you relieve that pressure. Staying active also helps strengthen the muscles of your back and core, which helps prevent common musculoskeletal injuries that can cause pain and dysfunction.
Physiotherapy’s Role in Improving Posture
When you visit us for your appointment, here’s what we’ll do to help you improve your posture and reduce your back and neck pain:
We start with a comprehensive postural assessment. We’ll take a look at your posture when you’re sitting, standing, and moving, looking for potential areas of dysfunction. We’ll also take a complete health history and might run some additional screens, too, testing for strength, mobility, balance, and more.
We help with any acute pain. Manual therapy techniques and targeted mobility exercises can help relieve your pain and help you get your body’s function back.
We help strengthen any weak muscles. Targeted strengthening exercises will help correct any muscular imbalances stemming from improper posture, providing better support and stability to your spine.
We offer personalized postural corrections. The final piece of the puzzle helps ensure lasting relief. We’ll provide a customized postural improvement plan that speaks to your unique needs and impairments.
Start Improving Your Posture Today!
Fixing improper posture isn’t a one-and-done affair, but a visit to SOS Physiotherapy can help you get started. Call us to schedule your appointment today!
FREE Workshops & Webinars
Prepping Pelvic Floor for Pregnancy & Birth
April 23 at 4:30pm online
In this hour long Virtual Webinar, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists Jessica Clancy, Anna Pelczar, Courtney Voisin, and Doula Bronwyn Addico will discuss…
• Basic pelvic floor anatomy & function
• Common pelvic health changes throughout pregnancy
• Exercise recommendations during pregnancy
• How a Doula can provide support during pregnancy & birth
• What pelvic health physiotherapy can do for you & what to expect at an appointment
• Preparing your body & pelvic floor for birth
Recovering After Birth Postpartum Pelvic Floor 101
May 7 at 4:30pm online
In this hour long Virtual Webinar, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists Jessica Clancy, Anna Pelczar, Courtney Voisin, and Doula Bronwyn Addico will discuss…
• Basic pelvic floor anatomy & function
• Common pelvic health dysfunctions in the post-partum period
• Comparing vaginal and cesarean birth recovery
• How a Doula can provide support during your post-partum journey
• What pelvic health physiotherapy can do for you & what to expect at an appointment
• Helping your body recover and safe return to activity
Sign up for one or both of these great webinars for free! Plus, Jessica, Anna & Courtney will answer ALL your burning questions about pelvic floor physiotherapy in both of these Webinars!
Fit Fore Golf. Fix Your Body. Fix Your Game!
Free In-Person Workshop
Saturday, May 10, at 10am SOS Physiotherapy Guelph clinic!
5K Spring Running Program
Fun & free 10-week program that started on Wednesday, March 26 and takes place every Wednesday from 7:15-8:15pm till May 25th at SOS Northfield clinic. This running program is open to everyone who is ready to learn how to run safely and already able to walk at least 30 minutes without pain.
What to Expect Out of the Program:
1. Free on your way 5K digital training plan
2. Weekly run/walk 30-60 minutes workout
3. Complete a 5km run at the end of 10 weeks
At the end of the program, we will be SHOWING OFF OUR HARD WORK by running the Neil Dunford Memorial 5km Run on May 25th at the Wilmot Recreational Centre in Baden!
We are SO EXCITED to create a free, fun, and safe environment to help you improve your running skills! JOIN US to feel encouraged and motivated, as well as be part of a great TEAM!
CAT & CAMEL Exercise
by Physiotherapist Ami Patel
Benefits
- Improve spinal joint mobility
- Stretch tight muscles and connective tissues
It is a relatively easy exercise to perform but can help reduce pain in chronic and acute conditions and also helps prevent excessive tension.
If pain or symptoms persist, stop exercise, inform your clinician next session.
Sets/Reps: 2-3 sets, 8-10 reps.
How-To Steps:
- Begin on all fours
- For the cat portion, slowly lower your head and raise your back up
- For the camel portion, slowly raise your head upward while dropping your back into a
downward arch - Coordinate your movements with your breath “Breath in” during camel portion of exercise and “Breathe out” during cat portion of exercise
- Engage your core (keep your abdominal muscles engaged throughout the exercise to support your spine)
- Move slowly and smoothly (avoid jerky or rushed movements to prevent injury)
Continued Education
The MCKENZIE INSTITUTE
Last year I attended the Mckenzie Institute International Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Part A — The Lumbar Spine course.
It offers clinicians the skills to accurately assess and manage musculoskeletal problems, empowering patients with self-treatment strategies and promoting better outcomes.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
This year I attended an Acupuncture and Dry Needling course in Brampton.
Ami Patel, Physiotherapist
at SOS, Leading Edge
Dry needling can help with pain relief, reduced muscle tightness, increased blood flow, and improved mobility by targeting specific muscle trigger points with thin needles.
I enjoy taking postgraduate courses to improve my manual skills and to deliver more effective treatment to patients.
Mentoring Corner
By Ami Patel, Physiotherapist at our newest SOS Location, Leading Edge
At SOS Physiotherapy we have a mentoring session every week for 1 hour with clinic owners, physiotherapists, massage therapists and kinesiologists, where we discuss different patient conditions, some new manual therapy techniques, and effective plan of care.