Castles to Cliffs: My UK & Ireland Adventure
By: Adam Hanton-Fong, Physiotherapist at Northfield
Hello everyone,
I’m Adam and I love staying active, exploring new places, and helping others get back to doing what they enjoy most.
Last year, my partner and I had the chance to take a trip that had been on my bucket list for years: exploring the United Kingdom and Ireland. I’m excited to share a bit of that experience with you.
We started in Edinburgh, a city that feels like stepping into a storybook. One of our first “must-dos” was fueling up on traditional haggis which unlike how the ingredients read, surprisingly tasted great! We then spent several hours wandering the historic Royal Mile, touring the fortified Edinburgh Castle and enjoying the charming Dean Village, which felt like a peaceful hidden gem tucked away from the busy city. A strong highlight was our guided Scotch whisky tour, where we learned all about one of Scotland’s finest exports.
From there, we ventured into the Scottish Highlands in search of the elusive Loch Ness Monster, unfortunately no sightings, but the scenery more than made up for it. We then took a train down to London, where I reunited with a childhood friend who had moved to the capital. It was a great reminder of how travel can reconnect you with people as much as places.
We made a stop in Oxford, which felt instantly familiar thanks to its role in several Harry Potter film series scenes. And we then rented a car and drove through the magical Cotswolds towards Wales. In Wales, we navigated the winding countryside roads and sheep to see the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (the highest aqueduct in the world). One of our most memorable nights was spent staying in Ruthin Castle, where we truly felt like we’d stepped back in time. We also explored Conwy Castle, climbing through its towering medieval remains.
Our last days of the trip included a stop in Belfast to visit the Titanic museum before traveling to Dublin for a tour of the famous Guinness Storehouse. This was definitely a refreshing experience. We finished our journey driving across Ireland to witness the breathtaking views at the Cliffs of Moher (another Harry Potter shot).
Looking back, what made the trip so special wasn’t just the landmarks, but the mix of history, culture, and connection along the way. It’s something that we will always be grateful for. Feel free to reach out if you’re planning a trip to this part of the world as I’d be happy to share recommendations!
Next stop this summer: Iceland!
Knee and Hip Pain Relief
Are you struggling with hip and/or knee pain? Is hip or knee pain causing you to move slower and leaving you with pain that becomes more difficult to cope with, step after step? When you are dealing with knee or hip pain, every step requires more effort than usual.
Pain can drain your energy level as you attempt to do even basic tasks, such as taking care of your home or walking around the office.
When hip or knee pain develops, seeking the support of a physiotherapist is the best course of action. Working with a physiotherapist can reduce your recovery time and improve your ability to cope with the pain and discomfort by introducing you to targeted exercises and stretching techniques that can enhance your ability to recover from the injury.
Call SOS Physiotherapy today to make an appointment. With guidance from our physiotherapist you can find solutions to your pain and get back to living the life you enjoy!
What Is Causing Your Pain?
There are several reasons why hip or knee pain may develop from a slip or fall-related accident to a sports injury. Knee pain is often due to sprains or tears of a ligament(s), cartilage tears, tendonitis, and arthritis. In comparison, hip pain is associated with similar injuries and the result of congenital malformations of the joint, fractures, or bursitis.
The main risk factors associated with the onset of hip and knee pain are:
- Getting older
- Being overweight/obesity
- Previous knee injury
Identifying the risk factors for hip and knee joints can be challenging, so getting a physiotherapy assessment is crucial for a good outcome. At SOS Physiotherapy, our therapists are skilled and identify the source of the issue and help you find a solution.
How Physiotherapy Can Help You
Physiotherapy is a long-term solution to pain and suffering through targeted exercises and stretching techniques. Our programs at SOS Physiotherapy are designed to strengthen the targeted areas and help the body recover and heal.
Our therapists are highly trained experts at identifying the underlying cause of the pain and educating you on significantly improving your quality of life. We recognize the exact points on the body that are not moving as they should and provide individualized programs to restore your function and minimize your pain.
What You Can Expect at Physiotherapy
If you’re experiencing hip or knee pain, contact a physiotherapist immediately. Your physiotherapist will perform a thorough physical examination and provide you with solutions that work based on the finding.
Education
Understanding the source of your pain and managing it can help you be proactive and find a solution. Understanding what is going on, and more importantly, what you can do about it, is one of the most effective solutions.
Advice to Stay Active
Pain in the lower extremities can play an essential role in the deterioration of quality of life, loss of balance, and changes in gait function. It is crucial to stay active. Your physiotherapist can help you identify modifications to painful tasks and help you be safe and active.
Exercise Therapy
A physiotherapist will tailor your exercises, monitor you, and progress you based on your individual needs. Supervised exercise therapy includes:
-Range of motion exercises
-Proper stretching exercises
-Strength exercises
-Balance and coordination exercises
-Gait training
Contact Our Clinic Today
Physiotherapy aims to restore range of motion and improve flexibility and strength while reducing the general experience of pain. It provides targeted exercises that support the joints with precise movements that help reinforce strength and range of motion.
Our physiotherapy exercise programs make it possible to increase mobility and strength while simultaneously improving your coordination and balance. Call SOS Physiotherapy today for a comprehensive assessment and learn what steps you can take to alleviate your pain and prevent further episodes.
In the Community: On Your Way to 5km
We’re excited to share an update on our On Your Way to 5km program led by Amanda and Rachel. Over the past 10 weeks, the group has been working toward an exciting milestone: building the strength, endurance, and confidence to complete a 5k run, with many participants preparing to take part in the upcoming Neil Dunford Memorial Run in Baden.
Throughout the program, participants have shown steady progress and dedication. From early walk-run intervals to increasing endurance and confidence, every step has helped prepare them for this achievement. The program has been about more than just reaching a distance: it’s been a celebration of progress, teamwork, and personal accomplishment.
We’re proud of everything the group has achieved and look forward to cheering on those participating in the run. It’s always rewarding to watch participants grow from beginners into confident runners while supporting each other along the way.
A special thank you goes out to everyone in the group for their consistency, effort, and commitment throughout the program. Their willingness to show up, put in the work, and encourage one another is what has made this journey such a success.
Keep an eye out on our socials, where we’ll share photos, and highlights from the event!
Student Life at SOS
Welcoming our newest physiotherapy student to the team here at Northfield!
Hello everyone, my name is Esha Mavi and I am a 2nd year Master of Physiotherapy Student from Western University. I have a strong passion for sports rehabilitation, performance, and getting individuals back to doing activities they love! I’ve had the opportunity to be placed at SOS Physiotherapy for my final placement, where I have learned tons about manual therapy, therapeutic techniques, and rehabilitation principles. I am excited to see what’s more to come!
A Commonly Forgotten Shoulder Muscle: the Serratus Anterior and its impact on Scapular Winging
One of the more commonly overlooked muscles when it comes to shoulder health is your serratus anterior. This muscle sits along the side of your ribs and helps your shoulder blades (scapulas) stay flat and move smoothly—especially during reaching and overhead or pushing movements.
When it’s weak or not activating properly, it can lead to scapular winging (when your shoulder blade sticks out from the back). This can sometimes be associated with shoulder pain, limited mobility, or difficulty with exercises like push-ups or overhead lifts.
Signs You Might Need to Target it:
- Your shoulder blade pokes out during movement
- Pain with certain shoulder motions
- Neck/shoulder tension or “poor” posture
Easy Exercises to Try:
- Wall Slides with or without a foam roller on the wall
- Serratus Push-Ups (also known as Push-Ups Plus)
Strengthening the serratus anterior may help to make a huge difference in posture, shoulder strength, and overall movement quality—especially for those who sit often or are active in sports.
Upcoming Free Workshops at SOS Physiotherapy
We’re excited to be hosting two informative, hands-on workshops designed to help you move better, feel better, and stay ahead of pain before it sidelines your summer activities.
Both workshops are free to attend, but spots are limited. Visit our website to register and view full event details.
Fit Fore Golf: Fix Your Body. Fix Your Game!
Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 PM
SOS Physiotherapy Belmont Clinic
Golf season is here, and if your body isn’t moving well, your swing (and scorecard) can suffer.
Join Registered Physiotherapists Jon Clay, Courtney Voisin, and Ryan Wark – all avid golfers themselves – for this interactive 75-minute workshop focused on helping you improve your game by improving how your body moves.
You’ll learn:
- How to improve your swing posture for straighter, longer shots
- The 3 most important physical components of a strong golf game
- Jon’s top 5 things to start doing right now for a better season
- The top 5 golf injuries that can derail your season, and how to avoid them
- 5 common swing faults that can hurt both your game and your body
New this year: Learn how lower body strength can take your game to the next level, including 3 proven exercises you can start right away.
Bring a short iron, as this workshop includes live, interactive practice.
Bonus for attendees: Jon is offering a FREE Golf Discovery Visit, where he’ll assess your body, review your swing, and help create your personalized game plan for success.
Headaches: Is Your Neck to Blame?
Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 AM
SOS Physiotherapy Northfield
If headaches are disrupting your daily life, your neck could be playing a bigger role than you realize.
Join Physiotherapist Alison Shaw and Chiropractor Rachel Goldsworthy for this eye-opening workshop exploring the connection between neck dysfunction and headaches.
During this 75-minute session, you’ll discover:
- The 3 most common types of headaches
- Practical headache management strategies
- SOS’s top 3 neck exercises to help manage headache symptoms
You’ll also learn about headache anatomy, common myths, quick relief strategies, and have the opportunity to get your questions answered by our experts.
If you or someone you know struggles with recurring headaches, this workshop is a great opportunity to gain valuable tools and insight.
Reserve your spot today by visiting our website and clicking on the workshop links for full details and registration.
SOS Physiotherapy Runs for a Great Cause
This May, the SOS Physiotherapy team is lacing up for the Million Reasons Run, a 31-day running challenge supporting local children’s hospitals across Canada.
As a team, we’ve committed to getting active all month long while raising funds for life-saving pediatric research and care. At SOS, we love a good challenge, but this one means even more because it supports children and families who rely on the incredible care provided by our local hospital teams every single day.
This year’s challenge is especially meaningful as we run in honour of those whose lives were cut far too short, while recognizing the compassionate care they received along the way. Karlie, this one’s for you.
Why it matters:
Every day, more than 5,000 children receive care at children’s hospitals across Canada. Donations help fund critical research that leads to new cures, gentler treatments, and brighter futures for kids and their families.
donating through our fundraising page. Every contribution, big or small, helps support groundbreaking research for children who need it most.
Thank you for cheering us on and helping us run for a cause that truly matters.
