CFL Kickoff Time
By Amanda Calford, Physiotherapist at our Northfield Location
There’s something special in the air when the CFL season kicks off. Sure, it’s about the football — the fast-paced, high-energy, three-down game that keeps you on the edge of your seat — but for me, it’s just as much about the people and the community that surround the sport.
The CFL is incredibly entertaining. With wide-open play, constant action, and a level of competition that rivals any football league, it delivers week after week. But the reason I keep coming back, season after season, isn’t just the product on the field. It’s the connection off the field that makes the CFL feel like home.
Watching CFL games has become a tradition in my circle, something I share with friends and family. Whether we’re crowded around the TV for a Friday night game or heading to a stadium for the full live experience, it’s always about more than just the game. It’s a chance to catch up, share laughs, swap predictions, and cheer together (and sometimes argue!) as our favourite teams battle it out.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet a few players, and what struck me most was how down-to-earth and approachable they are. Many of them went to local universities — some right here in Waterloo — which makes you feel like you’re cheering for one of your own.
And then there are the game days, if you’ve ever been to a CFL game, you know what I’m talking about! The stadium buzzes with excitement — people of all ages in jerseys and face paint, high-fiving strangers, sharing food, and trading stories. It’s a full-day event: grab a bite, explore the city, and soak up the atmosphere before and after the game. With teams just a short drive from Waterloo — Hamilton, Toronto, and even Ottawa — it’s easy to make a whole day of it.
As a physiotherapist, I’m always aware of the athleticism and physical toll the sport takes on players. It’s part of what gives me so much respect for the athletes and the dedication it takes to perform at that level. But I also see the positive impact sport can have on communities: bringing people together, inspiring the next generation, and creating shared memories.
As the CFL season kicks off, I’m looking forward to the action on the field and the opportunity to enjoy the games with others. The CFL offers more than just competitive football — it brings people together. It’s a great example of how sport can build strong, connected communities.
About Me: My name is Amanda Calford, I am a physiotherapist working at our Northfield location! I grew up in Waterloo and volunteered at SOS for two years before joining the team. I’m excited to be serving the community I grew up in as a physio.
Five Simple Tips for Improving Your Balance
Five Simple Tips for Improving Your Balance
Avoid Falls and Stay on Your Feet — With a Little Help from Physiotherapy
Are you worried about falling and injuring yourself? Does limited mobility due to arthritis or another condition make you feel shaky? Balance challenges can certainly be difficult, but you do have options for improving your overall balance and stability!
One of the things we do at SOS Physiotherapy is help people work on the spatial awareness and muscular strength crucial in addressing balance challenges. This is especially true for people with a high risk of falling, where improved balance could save you a trip to the hospital.
Want to learn more about the importance of good balance? Call to schedule an appointment today.
Why Should I Work on My Balance At All?
The older you get, the more important good balance becomes. Falls are one of the biggest threats to adults 65 years or older, causing millions of hospitalizations and emergency room visits every year.
While several factors contribute to this high fall risk — including age-related sensory and physical changes–you can do things to lessen your risk, and it’s never too early to get started! If you start working to improve your balance now, you’ll be in a better place as you age.
That said, there are other benefits to improving balance for younger people. A good sense of balance has a radiating effect on your overall fitness, helping to improve your posture and overall movement. You’ll be better able to catch yourself if you stumble or trip, and you might notice improvements in other physical activities, like running or playing sports.
How Can I Improve My Balance? Five Suggestions from Our Physiotherapists
1. Go for a Walk: Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest. Walking helps build core and lower-body strength, two crucial components of good balance, and it’s safe and effective for most people. That said, if you’re struggling with balance, it’s important to speak to your physiotherapist first — you might benefit from initial balance training or using a mobility aid during your walks.
2. Restore Your Mobility: Stiff or arthritic joints can negatively impact your balance. Our physiotherapists can teach you how to restore or improve your mobility and guide you on a safe routine you can perform at home that targets your individual needs.
3. Target Your Core: If you’re really struggling with balance and instability, it may be time to focus on dedicated core exercises. Your core refers to the muscles that wrap around your spine — your back, hip, glute, and ab muscles. They keep your spine stabilized, which in turn helps you keep your balance. Not sure where to start with core strengthening? Our physiotherapists can show you which exercises will work best for you.
4. Challenge Your Balance: As with any other aspect of fitness, spending time on dedicated balance training can help you see results. Your goal is to find exercises that challenge your sense of balance without putting you at risk of falling — again, this is something our PTs can help with.
5. Assess Your Balance: If you want to get serious about improving your balance, schedule an appointment at SOS Physiotherapy to have your balance assessed by one of our experts. We’ll run several balance screens to help us pinpoint the exact reason for your balance challenges — it may even be something you didn’t expect, such as inner ear issues. With a balance assessment, we can help you target your treatment to suit your exact needs.
Afraid You’ll Lose Your Footing? We’ve Got Your Back
The physiotherapists at SOS Physiotherapy specialize in movement and exercise. If you visit us for a balance assessment, we can design a customized treatment program that addresses your needs and abilities. For example…
• Dealing with persistent pain that makes walking difficult? We can guide you through a drug-free pain management program.
• Find most core exercises impossible? You’re not alone. Although activities like core planks have significant benefits, many beginners need to build up to them. We’ll show you core exercises that you can actually perform.
• Not sure how to challenge your balance? We’ll guide you through a progress balance training program, measuring your progress and increasing intensity as you go.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Don’t miss out on the benefits of good balance. Call us to request your balance assessment today!
If you are looking for help in improving your balance, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
In the Community
On Our Way to 5k!
Over the past two months, the Northfield SOS Physiotherapy clinic has been proud to lead our “On Your Way to 5K” running group spearheaded by our chiropractor Rachel — a program designed to help participants gradually build up to a 5-kilometre run through a mix of at-home training and weekly group runs.
Every week, we met outside the Northfield clinic to run together, support each other, and celebrate progress — no matter the pace. It’s been incredible to see the commitment and growth of our group members, many of whom were new to running at the start.
The highlight of the program came on May 25, when we participated as a team in the Neil Dunford Memorial 5 KM Run in Baden. It was a fun, rewarding experience and a great way to honour our progress while connecting with the wider community.
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us this year — and we’re already looking forward to next year’s group! Keep an eye out for sign-ups in 2026 and come run with us!
Student Life at SOS
Compression Socks Coming Soon at Northfield — Rolled Out by Our UW Co-op Student, Riya!
Riya has taken the lead on researching and organizing this new offering, making it easier than ever for patients to access high-quality compression wear right here at the clinic. Compression socks are more than just a trend. They can play a key role in improving circulation, reducing swelling, easing muscle soreness, and preventing fatigue.
They’re a great option for runners, frequent travelers (especially on long flights), and anyone managing varicose veins or chronic swelling. They can also be especially helpful during pregnancy to combat leg fatigue and swelling.
If you spend a lot of your day on your feet — whether you’re a nurse, teacher, retail worker, construction worker, or anyone whose job keeps them moving — compression socks can provide much-needed support and comfort throughout your shift. Not sure if compression socks are right for you? Riya and the rest of our team are happy to help you find the right fit and support your recovery and performance goals.
Come by the Northfield clinic to learn more and check
them out!
