What's New at Physio Sport Med

Erica will complete a thorough history, physical examination and report of findings that will allow you and encourage you to ask questions, listen to your concerns and involve you in care!
 
Treatment depends on your goals, clinical expertise and best available evidence!
 
If you are not comfortable with a specific treatment or specifically spinal or extremity manipulation, then it does not need to be done! As you can see, there are plenty of other options that can help you feel your best.
 
As a chiropractor, Erica prides herself in continual education to be able to offer you different styles of care to suit everyone’s individual needs.
 
If you are wondering if seeing a chiropractor is right for you and you are hesitant, feel free to book a consultation to discuss!
 
Physio Sport Med of Oakville

Trish Hayton in Thailand

Traveling with a National Team is an exhilarating and rewarding experience, one that blends hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck. Many people ask me how I ended up in this role and what it entails. Here’s a glimpse into the journey and what I do on the road as a sports physiotherapist.

The first step to getting here was qualifying. After graduating as a physiotherapist, I entered the Sports Physiotherapy education system, which involves gaining experience, completing a mentorship, and passing practical exams. Upon earning the Diploma of Sports Physiotherapy, I was qualified to work at international competitions. During the process, I built my experience, starting with local rugby, lacrosse, and hockey teams, before moving to provincial-level events and eventually the Canadian Games. However, the major leap in my career came when I left a clinic job I loved to work at the Pan and Parapan Am Games, which opened the door to international competitions.
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​Once qualified, my job begins long before we take off. Preparation is key. I pack a kit that includes everything needed for therapy, taping, first aid, and general health care. Over the years, I've perfected this kit, but there's always something new that pops up. For example, this trip’s unexpected item was hair elastics. As teams often don't travel with a nutritionist, I’m also responsible for gathering between game fuel such as energy bars, apple sauces, and electrolytes. In addition to packing, I research specific health risks at our destination. For instance, when we traveled to Thailand, I ensured all athletes and staff were up to date on necessary vaccines and provided education on local health concerns like water and mosquito-borne viruses. I also prepared heat strategies, as the temperatures in Bangkok were expected to reach 34-37°C.  This is a drastic change for a bunch of Canadian travelling in March. 

Once we arrive, the work truly begins. On the ground, I’m responsible for daily treatments, first aid, and pre-game care. As the only medical support traveling with the team, I’ve had to address everything from pneumonia to food poisoning. Sports physiotherapists are often called upon to play multiple roles, including makeshift strength and conditioning coach, brace repair technician, and even mental therapist. Thankfully, I’m supported by a team of experts back home who assist with medical advice.
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Although there are challenges, I would not trade travelling with these teams for anything.   Through supporting our amateur teams, I get to see the world while striving for my ultimate goal – being part of team Canada at the Olympics.
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March Break is a time to relax, explore, and recharge, but it’s also a time when injuries can easily happen if you’re not careful. Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach, a snowy mountain, or an exciting city, here are some tips to help keep you safe and injury-free during your travels.

1. Pack Smart
Packing light and correctly can prevent strain on your body. Overpacked bags can lead to back and shoulder injuries, especially if you’re carrying them for long distances. Opt for a backpack with padded straps and a waist belt to distribute the weight evenly. Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce stress on your body.  Be careful when pulling a packed suitcase behind you.   This is a vulnerable position for the shoulder and a small snag could result in pain.

2. Keep moving
Long flights or road trips can take a toll on your body. Picking an aisle seat so that you can get up and stretch a little easier can be helpful.    If you are driving, stopping every 2-3 hours is recommended to stretch your back and legs. Fatigue can also lead to accidents, so be sure to get plenty of rest and avoid pushing your body too hard.

3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
When traveling in unfamiliar places, keep an eye on the terrain. Whether you're walking on slippery sidewalks or hiking in the mountains, watch where you step. Be cautious on unfamiliar stairs or curbs, and wear comfortable, non-slip footwear.

4. Know Your Limits
It’s tempting to dive into all the fun activities available during March Break, but know your limits. If you’re trying something new, like snowboarding or rock climbing, start with a beginner course or lesson. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to injuries that could ruin the rest of your trip.

5. Warm Up Before Activities
If you’re planning on skiing, hiking, or any physical activity, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up your muscles. This simple step can help prevent strains and sprains. Even if you’re just walking around a new city, stretching your legs can make a big difference.
 
With a little preparation and attention, you can enjoy all the excitement of March Break without the setbacks of an injury. Stay safe and have fun!

At Physio Sport Med, we believe in giving our patients the best possible care – which is why we integrate osteopathy and physiotherapy into personalized treatment plans. While both disciplines aim to restore health and mobility, they work in unique yet complementary ways. Here’s how combining them can help you recover faster and stay stronger for longer.

The Power of Collaboration - Whole-Body Healing Meets Targeted Rehabilitation

• Osteopathy looks at your body as an interconnected system. Using gentle manual techniques, Osteopathy improves circulation, nerve function, and whole-body alignment to resolve structural barriers that hold back progress.
• Physiotherapy focuses on rehabilitating injuries or conditions through evidence-based exercises, stretches, and modalities. Physiotherapists correct poor movement patterns (e.g., posture, gait) to prevent reinjury and teach strategies for long-term resilience.

Together: This dual approach tackles both the root cause (e.g., joint restrictions, fascial tension) and the symptoms (pain, weakness) of your condition.

Pain Relief + Functional Recovery

• Osteopathy breaks through plateaus caused by stubborn stiffness or compensatory patterns through hands-on techniques. By restoring balance to your body, these methods prepare you to engage more effectively in physiotherapy.
• Physiotherapy complements this by designing exercise programs to improve flexibility, coordination, and strength. They also use pain-relieving tools like ultrasound, taping, specific deep tissue techniques to support your recovery.

Together: You get dual-action pain relief and a faster path to moving freely again.

Prevention for Long-Term Wellness

• Osteopathy’s holistic approach helps catch small imbalances before they turn into chronic issues. For example, a recurring knee pain might stem from a misaligned pelvis – something an osteopath can correct early.
• Physiotherapy equips you with exercises and education to maintain progress, prevent reinjury, and build resilience.

Together: You’ll not only recover but also stay active, healthy, and pain-free long after treatment.

Who Benefits Most from Combined Care?

This approach is ideal for:

• Accelerate early healing by reducing pain and inflammation.
• Enhance exercise effectiveness by freeing restricted joints/tissues.
• Prevent future flare-ups by addressing hidden root causes.

Why Choose Our Integrated Care?

• Deeper diagnostics: Reveals hidden issues (e.g., fascial restrictions) that standard assessments miss.
• Faster progress: Combined care often leads to quicker, longer-lasting results.
• Holistic prevention: We fix not just your injury but what's behind it.

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