The Latest Research on Achilles Tendon Treatments

Reference: Alfredson H, et al Heavy-load eccentric calf muscle training for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinosis. Am J Sports Med. 1998 May-Jun;26(3):360-6.

On July 19, 2011 I was reading the “Running” section in the Canadian National Post when I came across an article about achilles tendonitis by Dr. Tim Rindlisbacher (The article can be accessed here http://www.nationalpost.com/life/running/Greek+hero+about+Achilles+tendonitis/5127299/story.html). Dr. Rindlisbacher essentially treats achilles tendonitis by recommending rest, and performing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Unfortunately while rest will obviously help, it is very hard to tell my athlete patients to stop their favourite sports for any prolonged period of time, and PRP injections are not only very expensive but to Dr. Rindlisbacher’s own admission in the article, they have not proven to work any better than placebo. In my opinion as a physiotherapist that treats a significant number of achilles tendonitis patients this kind of advice from a doctor is either intentionally misleading to the public for his own financial gain, or simply ignorant to the well validated studies on treatments that have proven effective for achilles tendonitis.At the top of the page I have referenced a study which was published in the highly reputable ‘American Journal of Sports Medicine’ by Dr. Alfredson that demonstrated that eccentric calf muscle training in recreational athletes who had the diagnosis of chronic Achilles tendinosis not responsive to past conservative treatments (i.e. rest, NSAIDs, changes of shoes or orthoses).

All these patients had Achilles tendon pain not allowing them to run, and all had significantly lower calf muscle strength on the injured side compared with the non-injured side.

After 12-weeks of heavy eccentric training, all the patients were back at their pre-injury levels with full running activity. Their calf muscle strength on the injured side had increased significantly and no longer differed from that of the non-injured side. Meanwhile, none of the patients in the control group improved within the same time period.

So what exactly was the Exercise Program?
At Ace Physio we are experts at teaching medically sound and evidence-based exercises to help promote healing and strengthening of your achilles tendon. Our highly trained physiotherapists have post grad certifications in the ‘Foot and Ankle Complex’ and use a variety of methods including therapeutic taping to allow you to perform these exercises safely, with minimal pain or discomfort, and correctly, so that you achieve maximal results in the shortest possible time frame.

Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis
Reference: The American Journal of Sports Medicine – High-Energy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as a Treatment for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy by John Patrick Furia, M.D.

Additionally at Ace Physio we utilize Shockwave therapy in our treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendonitis.

Shockwave Therapy is an incredible new therapy for the treatment of tendon injuries that has only recently come to Canada. Shockwave therapy has been highly validated in multiple studies utilizing a double blinded, randomized clinical trial for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis. We have included a direct link to the study in PDF format by clicking on the above link. This study demonstrates the clinical effectiveness of Shockwave therapy for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis.

At Ace Physio we utilize the top of the line Storz MP200 Shockwave therapy machines to provide treatment. Our expert and friendly staff can assess and determine the best course of treatment for you to help you get rid of your achilles tendon pain and discomfort and get back to your sports faster!

Contact Ace Physio today!
Tel: 647-884-5005
http://www.acephysio.com
info@acephysio.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Acupuncture vs. Splinting

Reference: Kumnerddee W, Kaewtong A. Efficacy of acupuncture versus night splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. J Med Assoc Thai. 2010 Dec;93(12):1463-9.Carpal Tunnel Sydrome is chracterized by numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the median nerve of the hand for more than a week or for more than three times in the past six months.

Until recently the first line of conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome from doctors is typically nocturnal/nighttime splinting. Splinting, reduces stress on the peripheral nerve in the wrist, allowing it to heal and avoids awkward wrist positions as a person sleeps. Night splinting has shown in previous studies to give patients significant improvement in their symptoms and decrease in their discomfort.

A new study from Thailand had 61 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) randomly assigned to either acupuncture or night splinting groups.
The Acupuncture group received electro-acupuncture twice a week for 5 weeks (10 sessions in total). The night splint group received neutral wrist splint during the night for 5 weeks.

Result: Although both groups improved equally with respect to overall symptoms and function, visual analogue pain scale decreased significantly more in Acupuncture than in the night splint group.

Conclusion: Electro-acupuncture is a highly effective and cost efficient treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and should be a first line of treatment, well before risky surgeries or cortisone injections.

Carpal Tunnel Treatments @ Ace Physio
At Ace Physio our expert Physiotherapists with Acupuncture certifications are performing electro-acupuncture stimulation using the AcuHealth Professional 900. The Acuhealth Professional 900 is a high end electro-acupuncture unit that offers the pain relief of Acupuncture without needles.

Ace Physio also offers; Shockwave Therapy, Super Pulsed Laser Therapy, Gua Sha, and Traditional needled acupuncture, & night splinting for the treatment of Carpal Tunnel symptoms.

“Ace Physio regularly treats Carpal Tunnel and has helped many past patients reduce their pain and discomfort , and improve their well-being. At Ace Physio we would love to chat with you about your condition and help you recover faster.”
-Brad Saltz (Registered Physiotherapist)

Contact Ace Physio today!
Tel: 647-884-5005
http://www.acephysio.com
info@acephysio.com