What's New at Physio Sport Med

Different Demands on Your Body 

Running on a treadmill offers a smooth, cushioned surface with consistent conditions. It's ideal during our long Canadian winters, helping runners maintain fitness when roads are icy or trails are snow-covered. But once spring hits and you head outside, you’re suddenly dealing with uneven sidewalks, changing terrain, wind resistance, and hills. These variables engage your muscles and joints in new ways—especially the ankles, knees, and hips. 

If you've been on a treadmill all winter, your body may not be used to these challenges, making you more prone to overuse injuries like shin splints, IT band syndrome, or Achilles tendinitis. 

How to Transition Safely This Spring 

1. Ease Into It: Don’t go from five treadmill runs a week to five outdoor runs. Start with 1–2 outdoor runs and gradually increase as your body adapts. 
2. Warm Up First: Cooler spring mornings can still leave muscles tight. A dynamic warm-up of leg swings, walking lunges, and high knees will prep your body for the variable terrain. 
3. Choose the Right Footwear: Sidewalks and trails require more shock absorption and grip. Make sure your shoes are appropriate for outdoor conditions and haven’t worn out over the winter. 
4. Watch the Surface: Spring can mean slippery mud, wet pavement, and sidewalk/trail damage due to ice. Stay alert and choose routes you know are clear. 
5. Listen to Your Body: Soreness from new terrain is normal. Sharp or persistent pain is not. See a physiotherapist if something doesn’t feel right. 

Spring is a great time to reconnect with nature and your fitness goals. With a mindful transition, you can enjoy the season injury-free. If you have questions about your running form or want help preventing injuries, our clinic is here to support your spring comeback! 

Incorporating massage therapy into a physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment plan can significantly enhance overall recovery and well-being. While physiotherapists and chiropractors focus on structural alignment, mobility, and function, massage therapy complements these goals by targeting soft tissues to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress.

Massage therapy promotes faster healing by increasing blood flow to affected areas, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair. This can be especially beneficial after injury or surgery, where reducing inflammation and enhancing flexibility are key to regaining function. Additionally, massage can help prepare muscles for manual adjustments and improve range of motion.

Another major benefit is pain reduction. Therapeutic massage stimulates the release of endorphins—natural painkillers—helping patients manage chronic or acute discomfort more effectively without relying solely on medication.

Furthermore, the relaxing nature of massage therapy contributes to reduced anxiety and improved sleep, both of which are critical for long-term recovery and physical performance. When combined with physiotherapy or chiropractic care, massage therapy offers a holistic approach that addresses both the structural and muscular components of pain and dysfunction, leading to more comprehensive and lasting results.

Meet our team

​Michael Burrow

Michael graduate in 2018 earning the Sports Outreach Specialization Award.  His background in competitive sport allows him to understand and treat common injuries found in the athletic community.   He incorporated Functional Range Conditioning and Functional Range Systems into his treatments to maximize recovery.   Recently, Michael started offering Fascial Stretch Therapy.

FUN FACT:   Michael played Junior A lacrosse for Mimico, so he is able to understand the demands and pressures on amateur athletes.
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​Liia Wu

​Proficient in deep tissue, sports and relaxation massage, Liia integrates cupping therapy and gua sha therapy into the treatments. Currently enrolled in the Acupuncture program at CCTCM, she is committed to expanding her healthcare practice.  Yifan believes that integrating acupuncture and acupoint massage will significantly enhance her ability to alleviate clients' pain and improve their overall well-being.
 
FUN FACT: Yifan-Liia has decades of experience playing the violin, brings a unique perspective to her practice.
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​Carmen Chan
 
Carmen’s massage therapy practice is shaped by over a decade of experience as a Certified Athletic Therapist. She is passionate about working with all athletes and has worked extensively in hockey, volleyball and ultimate frisbee. Carmen strongly believes that a successful treatment plan requires collaboration between the practitioner and client. 
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FUN FACT:  Carmen is learning American Sign Language and has been the medical support for the Deaf Olympics.
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So, what makes Fascial Stretch Therapy stand out? Let’s break down its key benefits:

​1.  Improved Flexibility and Mobility
Unlike traditional stretching, which focuses on isolated muscles, FST works on entire muscle groups and their connective tissue. This helps increase range of motion more effectively and sustainably. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance performance or someone who just wants to move with more ease, FST can help you move better and feel better.

2.  Reduced Pain and Tension
Chronic tension in the fascia can contribute to joint pain, back discomfort, and muscle tightness. FST gently targets these areas, releasing restrictions and reducing pressure on pain-sensitive structures. Many clients report a significant reduction in discomfort after just a few sessions.

3.  Enhanced Athletic Performance
By improving joint range and muscle efficiency, FST can help athletes generate more power and reduce the risk of injury. It also aids in faster recovery by promoting circulation and reducing muscle soreness after intense workouts.

4.  Stress Relief and Relaxation
FST sessions are often described as calming and restorative. The gentle, rhythmic movements not only stretch the body but also calm the nervous system, making it a great tool for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

5.  Posture Correction
Poor posture often stems from imbalances in the fascia. FST helps realign the body by loosening tight areas and strengthening weak ones, leading to better posture and less strain on your body throughout the day.

Whether you're rehabbing from an injury, enhancing your athletic routine, or simply seeking better body balance, Fascial Stretch Therapy is a versatile, effective approach to total-body wellness.